By VIVIAN AHANMISI

Ikenna Okafor, Chairman of Keves Global Leasing, says the seventh CIO Golf Championship will offer a record 100 million prize purse and attract top African professionals.

Okafor told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday that the championship would hold at Python Golf Club, Port Harcourt, Rivers, from Nov. 8 to 15.

He described the competition as Nigeria’s richest professional golf event, adding that it was becoming increasingly important in developing African golf talent.

The chairman said the championship would feature 30 African professionals alongside a strong Nigerian contingent

According to him, the event is strengthening Nigeria’s position on the continental golf calendar through substantial financial rewards and opportunities for players to compete internationally.

“The CIO Championship is the most prized professional golf event in Nigeria, with a purse of 100 million”

“Our commitment is to reward excellence, attract Africa’s finest players and create opportunities for Nigerian professionals beyond our shores,” he said.

Okafor said the championship’s biggest attraction went beyond the prize money, as the winner could earn a pathway to the Magical Kenya Open, a DP World Tour event.

He said that the opportunity would provide players with global exposure and access to international competition.

“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 said

The Magical Kenya Open offers players an opportunity to compete against established international professionals, making the CIO Championship a platform for career advancement.”

Francis Epe, defending champion and winner of the 2025 edition, said the championship’s growing influence across Africa had raised Nigeria’s professional golf profile

He said its competitive field and substantial prize money had contributed to its rising status.

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

The week-long championship will begin on Nov. 8, with the Kids Championship, highlighting the organisers’ commitment to grassroots golf development.

Elite amateur and professional golfers will compete from Nov. 11 to 15.

The competition will climax with players battling for the 100 million prize purse and international recognition. (NAN)