{
  "id": 11059852,
  "title": "Nigeria’s Francis Epe Leads Charge for $50,000 Lakowe Classic Prize Money",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/nigerias-francis-epe-leads-charge-for-50-000-lakowe-classic-prize",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-30T23:48:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/10/01/nigerias-francis-epe-leads-charge-for-50000-lakowe-classic-prize-money/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nigeria's Francis Epe has taken an early lead in the $50,000 Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic, triumphing in the Nigeria Closed by a five-shot margin. The tournament, held on the par-72 Lakowe Lakes Golf Club, marks the beginning of a significant week of professional golf on the Sunshine Development Tour. Epe's strong performance, closing the three-day contest with a score of 214 (-2), sets him up with a positive outlook for his participation in the international phase of the event, which begins on October 2 and offers a substantial purse, World Golf Ranking points, and a brand-new GAC electric car. Former Nigeria number one Oche Odoh finished in second place, while Kamalu Bako placed among the leaders. The Nigeria Closed also showcased promising performances from home players such as Kabiru Haruna, Mike Ubi, Patrick Paul, and Tajudeen Ajayi, who are expected to compete against the visiting field during the international phase. The tournament is expected to draw over 150 professional golfers representing more than 12 African countries.",
  "summary": "Nigeria’s Francis Epe has fired an early warning to the international field gathering for the Sunshine Development Tour’s Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic, winning the 54-hole Nigeria Closed by five shots",
  "key_points": [
    "Francis Epe leads $50,000 Lakowe Classic by five shots",
    "Nigeria Closed winner Epe sets up for international phase",
    "Tournament offers prize money, WGR points, new GAC car"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}