CIO Championship lures African stars with N100m purse

The organisers of the seventh CIO Golf Championship have confirmed a record N100m prize purse, attracting top African professionals to Python Golf Club, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, from November 8 to 15, 2026.

With 30 African professionals expected alongside a strong Nigerian contingent, the championship is strengthening Nigeria’s position on the continental golf calendar, offering substantial financial rewards and a pathway to the prestigious Magical Kenya Open.

Ikenna Okafor, Chairman of Keves Global Leasing, described the championship as Nigeria’s richest professional golf event, underscoring its growing significance in developing African talent.

“The CIO Championship is the most prized professional golf event in Nigeria, with a purse of N100 million. Our commitment is to reward excellence, attract Africa’s finest players and create opportunities for Nigerian professionals beyond our shores,” Okafor said.

He emphasised that the championship’s biggest attraction extends beyond prize money, with the winner gaining a potential route to the Magical Kenya Open, a DP World Tour event, offering global exposure for local talents.

“This pathway is particularly important for Nigerian professionals who possess the talent but lack regular access to international competition. We are creating a bridge between local excellence and global opportunities,” he added.

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The Magical Kenya Open offers competitors the opportunity to test their skills against established international professionals, making the CIO Championship an increasingly valuable platform for career advancement.

Defending champion Francis Epe, winner of the 2025 edition, acknowledged the event’s growing continental influence, noting that its competitive field and substantial rewards have raised Nigeria’s professional golf profile.

Epe also praised the championship for showcasing Python Golf Club and reinforcing Nigeria’s capacity to host major international competitions.

The week-long championship opens on November 8 with the Kids Championship, highlighting the organisers’ commitment to grassroots development.

Elite amateur and professional golfers will take centre stage from November 11 to 15, bringing the competition to a climax as players battle for the N100m purse and international recognition.