Joel Ajayi
Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, is set to welcome over 40 African nations as they converge for the 2026 All African Challenge Trophy (AACT), a landmark tournament designed to celebrate excellence, unity, and the enduring spirit of the continent.
The prestigious competition, scheduled to hold from November 1 to 7, 2026, at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, is expected to attract top golfing talents from across Africa, transforming Abuja into a vibrant hub of sporting brilliance and continental solidarity.
Speaking at the official press briefing held on Thursday at the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Abuja, the President of the Ladies Golfers Association of Nigeria (LGAN), Dr. Lami Onayi Ahmed, described the championship as more than just a tournament.
According to her, the AACT represents a strategic platform to unite Africa through golf while showcasing Nigeria’s proven capacity to host world-class sporting events.
“We are hosting to win, and with the support of every Nigerian, we will give our very best,” she affirmed confidently.
Highlighting the significance of securing the hosting rights, the organisers expressed pride in bringing the tournament to Nigeria, stressing that the achievement is a collective national victory.
“We are determined to bring pride to our country, demonstrate the excellence of Africa, and reaffirm Nigeria’s status as a leading sporting nation capable of uniting the continent and the world. Though we fought hard to secure the hosting rights, we did so with Nigeria at heart. Now that we have won the bid, it is a victory for all Nigerians,” the organisers stated.
Dr. Ahmed commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent commitment to sports development as a tool for national cohesion and continental integration, noting that the President has demonstrated both moral and financial support for initiatives that promote unity through sports.
“It is our hope that President Tinubu will serve as Chief Host and officially declare the tournament open, while the First Lady performs the ceremonial tee-off in recognition of the championship’s celebration of women in sports,” she said.
She also expressed optimism that the Federal Capital Territory Administration, under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, will lend full support toward delivering a memorable and impactful event in Abuja.
Speaking via zoom, AACT President from Gabon, Madamè Cécile Poncet, described Nigeria as a trusted host with a proven capacity to deliver world-class events.
“We believe in Nigeria’s ability to provide a safe, vibrant, and competitive environment for all participating nations,” Poncet said.
“Africa’s best golfers will experience an unforgettable tournament.”
In her remarks, the AACT Trustee for West Central Africa, Mrs. Ekanem Ekwueme, commended LGAN for successfully securing the hosting rights, noting that Nigeria will be hosting the championship for the third time. She recalled that Nigeria previously hosted the tournament in 1996 at Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos and in 2010 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
She explained that the AACT is a biennial tournament that rotates among the four geographical regions of Africa, adding that South Africa is expected to present a bid to host the next edition when it moves to the Southern Region.
Mrs. Ekwueme assured that the 2026 edition would be a competition to remember, expressing confidence in Nigeria’s readiness to deliver a world-class event.
To ensure a strong outing at the championship, LGAN has put in place plans to assemble a national team comprising three players and a captain. The identities of the players are being kept confidential as they will embark on intensive training tours and participate in selected competitions ahead of the event. Selection will be based strictly on performance, with players drawn from those within handicap categories 0–6.
The 2026 All African Challenge Trophy promises not only thrilling competition on the greens but also a powerful statement of Africa’s unity — brought together through sport.
