Okoria Excited by Nigeria’s Growing Professional Golf Scene Ahead of Alpha Bravo Classic

Posted : 12 November 2026

Nigeria’s professional golf scene is experiencing renewed growth, with increasing international participation and corporate investment creating fresh opportunities for local players.

The development has excited Tombara Okoria, Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Bravo Integrated Services, as the country prepares to host two major tournaments featuring some of Africa’s leading professional golfers.

The competitions include the seventh edition of the CIO International Golf Classic in Port Harcourt and the inaugural Alpha Bravo Golf Classic at Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate in Lagos. The CIO championship runs from November 8 to 15, 2026, while the Alpha Bravo tournament is scheduled for November 18 to 20, followed by a Pro-Am event on November 21.

The Alpha Bravo Classic will feature a 54-hole professional championship with a $25,000 prize purse. Its introduction to the professional calendar represents another step towards strengthening Nigeria’s position in African golf.

Okoria believes the country has the facilities and playing talent required to become a major destination for competitive golf on the continent.

“Nigeria is one of the few African countries with a sizeable number of golf facilities and, interestingly, golf talents as well. That is why our company birthed the sponsorship of the Alpha Bravo Classic in 2025, first as an amateur event, but this year, we are bringing on the professionals,” he said.

The tournament's inclusion in established international circuits is particularly important for Nigerian professionals. Players will have opportunities to earn Official World Golf Ranking points through the Sunshine Development Tour and accumulate qualification points towards the 2027 Magical Kenya Open through its Safari Tour affiliation.

These opportunities could reduce the financial and logistical challenges Nigerian golfers face when travelling abroad to compete in internationally recognised tournaments.

Players such as Sunday Olapade and Godwin Okoko are among the Nigerian professionals expected to benefit from the expanding competitive calendar.

Okoko recently demonstrated his competitive ability by winning the 2026 Rift Valley Championship in Kenya. Meanwhile, Olapade remains one of Nigeria's established names on the professional circuit.

Okoria believes sustained corporate investment and stronger partnerships will be essential to maintaining the sport's development.

“These developments will deepen the career prospects of our professional golfers and add considerable value to local tournaments. With increased corporate support and more internationally recognised competitions, we can unlock opportunities for talented players who have the potential to compete successfully at the highest levels,” he added.

The Alpha Bravo Classic has also secured a three-year agreement to feature on the Sunshine Development Tour calendar from 2026 through 2028.

Its simultaneous presence on the Sunshine Development Tour and Safari Tour calendars provides Nigerian professionals with greater access to international competition, ranking opportunities and potential pathways to major tournaments.

Okoria Excited by Nigeria’s Growing Professional Golf Scene Ahead of Alpha Bravo Classic

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