Francis Epe Wins Nigeria Closed Ahead of $50,000 Lakowe Lakes Classic

Posted : 01 October 2026

Francis Epe has made an early statement ahead of the Sunshine Development Tour’s Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic after winning the 54-hole Nigeria Closed by five shots. Epe finished two-under-par 214 at the par-72 Lakowe Lakes Golf Club after rounds of 73, 69 and 72.

The Nigeria Closed served as the opening event of a major week of professional golf at Lakowe Lakes. The international phase of the Classic begins on October 2, with more than 150 professional golfers from over 12 African countries expected to compete.

Epe said the victory had given him confidence heading into the main event. He described the win as a positive way to begin an important week and said he hoped to maintain the momentum during the international competition.

Former Nigeria number one Oche Odoh finished second on 219, three-over-par. Kamalu Bako completed the leading group with a total of 221, while Kabiru Haruna, Mike Ubi, Patrick Paul and Tajudeen Ajayi also produced performances that could put them in contention during the international phase.

The Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic is making its debut on the Sunshine Development Tour calendar. Its arrival in Nigeria has attracted a strong international field and represents another major professional golf event on the African circuit.

Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing CEO David Ndungu said the response from players had been encouraging. He added that the interest surrounding the tournament reflected the growing demand for professional golf events across Africa.

Several leading players from the Sunshine Development Tour are expected to feature in the international competition. The field includes Nigerians Godwin Okoko and Sunday Olapade, Rwanda’s Celestine Nsazuwera, Zambia’s Sydney Wemba, Ghana’s Vincent Togah and Uganda’s Ronald Rugumayo.

Nsazuwera arrives as the Sunshine Development Tour’s number one player, while Rugumayo enters the tournament in strong form. Their presence adds further competition for the Nigerian players seeking to make an impact on home soil.

The international phase carries a $50,000 prize purse, which organisers describe as the biggest on the Sunshine Development Tour so far. Players will also compete for World Golf Ranking points, while the overall winner will receive a new GAC electric vehicle.

The tournament will run from October 2 to 4, with the final round scheduled for Sunday. Epe’s Nigeria Closed victory gives him an early boost, but he will face a significantly larger international field when the main event begins.

The Classic is expected to provide Nigerian golfers with an opportunity to compete against players from across the continent while also bringing professional golf attention to Lakowe Lakes. The winner on Sunday will claim the largest purse yet offered on the Sunshine Development Tour, alongside ranking points and the new vehicle.

Francis Epe Wins Nigeria Closed Ahead of $50,000 Lakowe Lakes Classic

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