Mollel stays in contention as Nigeria’s Okoko takes the lead

KAMPALA, Friday 

Tanzania’s Nuru Mollel remained firmly in contention at the Uganda Professional Golf Open after Friday’s third round, while Nigeria strengthened its challenge as Godwin Okoko moved to the top of the leaderboard.

Mollel, representing Arusha Gymkhana Club, carded a level-par 72 in the third round to remain at two-under-par overall.

He is tied for seventh place, keeping alive Tanzania’s hopes of a strong finish in the 2026 championship.

The Tanzanian professional has shown impressive consistency throughout the tournament, building on his opening two rounds while continuing to negotiate a demanding course that has tested players from across Africa.

Mollel entered the third round at two-under-par after consecutive rounds of 71, placing him among the leading contenders at the halfway stage. 

He is also Tanzania’s only professional to survive the cut, making his performance particularly important to the country’s challenge.

With one round remaining, Mollel will need another strong showing to close the gap on the leaders and put himself in contention for the championship.

Nigeria produced the biggest statement of the third round, with Godwin Okoko firing a superb five-under-par 67 to move into the outright lead at five-under-par overall.

Okoko had opened the tournament with rounds of 76 and 68 before his outstanding third-round performance.

His 67 was the best score among the leading contenders and has significantly reshaped the championship battle.

His surge also underlines the strength of the Nigerian professional contingent, which has remained prominent throughout the tournament.

Sunday Olapade, who was among the standout Nigerian players at the halfway stage after rounds of 72 and 67, surrendered the lead after carding a 77 on Friday. He dropped to a share of 13th place at level-par overall.

Nigeria’s Andrew Odoh also remains in the field, although his third-round 72 left him at five-over-par overall.

Okoko leads the championship at five-under-par, with Malawi’s Paul Chidale, Kenya’s Samuel Njoroge and Dismas Indiza, and Uganda’s Phillip Kasozi and Ronald Rugumayo tied for second at three-under-par.

Zambia’s Dayne Moore and Kenya’s Greg Snow are next at two-under-par, alongside Mollel, leaving the Tanzanian within striking distance of the leaders.

More than 115 professionals from across Africa began the 72-hole championship, but the final round will determine who can turn their position on the leaderboard into victory.

To follow the live scores of the Uganda Open Golf Championship 2026, please use this link https://www.golfthru18.com/leaderboard/uganda-open-golf-championship-2026