Top Golf Players Assemble for Lakowe Classic Opener

Nigeria's top professional golfers are set to compete in the 2026 Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic opener from September 28 to 30 at the Lakowe Lakes Golf Course in Lagos. The event, themed "Nigeria Closed," aims to reintroduce competitive action to the domestic golfing calendar after a long hiatus. Seven of the country's most accomplished players, including former Lakowe winner Francis Epe, Gift Willy, Kamalu Bako, Mohammed Muazu, and Tajudeen Ajayi, are expected to participate.

Female professionals Bola Mustapha and Rachael Danjuma, along with male players Kingsley Oparakwu, Stanley Omenuko, Liman Mohammad, and Lateef Lasisi, have also been listed in the opener.

The Nigeria Closed, scheduled to run over 56 holes, offers a ₦30 million prize purse to entice the returning players. Gift Willy, one of the participating players, expressed excitement about the tournament's two-phase structure, believing it would help Nigerian professionals rediscover their competitive rhythm. The Lakowe Lakes Golf Course Manager, Femi Olagbenro, emphasized the significant investment made to prepare the course for the event, aiming to challenge the players while showcasing the quality of the golfing facilities at Lakowe Lakes.

This opening phase of the Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic will serve as a prelude to the more international phase, which will take place from October 2-4. The concluding tournament will feature an international field competing for a $50,000 purse and will also contribute to World Golf Ranking points. The Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic is positioning itself as an important destination for elite professional golf in Africa, with the opening event promising a compelling stretch of competitive golf and a much-needed return to action for Nigeria's professional players.