Francis Epe (right) receives his trophy as champion of CIO Golf Classic
Francis Epe is the champion of the sixth edition of the CIO Golf Classic.
The Nigerian number one-ranked player defeated the field of 107 professional players who competed at the 6th edition, which ended at the Python Golf Club in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
Epe, a member of the Ikoyi Club 1938, Lagos, shot 11 under par over the four days to pocket N15 million.
He went three shots ahead of Udom Sateer of the host club (-8 in 72 holes). Vincent Torgah from Tema Golf Club, Ghana, finished at -7 to claim the third prize.
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Epe said he came to the event without a doubt that he would win the coveted prize.
“I had a good feeling about this from the start, and knew I would triumph if I played my game and stayed focused; the win was possible,” he said.
“I think credit should also go to the sponsor for believing in Nigerian players. Credit also to Sateer, who finished second for keeping his cool from the start of the event till the last ball while showing class and composure,” he said.
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Players from Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Cameroon, Lebanon, Gambia, and host Nigeria participated in the weeklong event, with all Safari Tour players earning points towards the 2026 Magical Kenya Open.
Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, who was the special guest at the closing ceremony, commended the positive impact of having seven countries gather in the state capital for the event, saying it highlighted the state’s hospitality.
Ikenna Okafor, chairman of Keeves Global Leasing, the sponsors of the competition, also said the tournament aligned with its goal of globalisation.
“We have secured a strategic alliance with the Safari Tour of Kenya to co-sanction this event in order to give leverage to all the Nigerian players for international opportunities,” he said.
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