Francis Epe secures spot at 2026 Magical Kenya Open
Francis Epe, a Nigerian professional golfer, has earned a place at the prestigious Magical Kenya Open. His qualification comes after winning the sixth CIO Golf Classic, which is part of the Safari Tour mini-league system. The event is a significant milestone for Nigerian golf, providing a pathway for local players to compete internationally. The Magical Kenya Open is recognized as a major opportunity for African golfers to showcase their talents on a global stage.
Match highlights
- Francis Epe qualified for the 2026 Magical Kenya Open after winning the sixth CIO Golf Classic, held in November 2025 at Python Golf Club in Port Harcourt.
- The CIO Golf Classic featured over 100 players and a prize purse of $50,000.
- The tournament is the only West African event integrated into the Safari Tour mini-league qualification system.
- Celestin Nsanzuwera from Rwanda claimed the second exemption ticket to the $2.7m Magical Kenya Open.
- Ikenna Okafor, CEO of Keeves Global Leasing and sponsor of the CIO Championship, described Epe's win as a landmark moment for Nigerian professional golf.
