NGF, AFC Deny Suspension Claim, Threaten Legal Action Over False Report

The Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) and the African Golf Confederation (AGC) have dismissed reports alleging that the federation has been suspended, describing the publication as false, misleading and intended to tarnish the image of Nigerian golf.

NGF President, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, condemned the reports published by several online platforms, insisting that they were neither authorised nor verified by the relevant authorities.

He warned that the federation would institute legal proceedings against those responsible for publishing the story, saying the false claims had the potential to damage the reputation of the NGF and the sport in Nigeria.

“We will not hesitate to seek redress in court against those behind this malicious publication. Journalism must be guided by facts and professionalism, not speculation and misinformation,” Runsewe said.

He maintained that there had never been any suspension of the federation, explaining that the NGF had settled its affiliation fee to the AGC before the reports emerged.

According to him, the federation paid the required 1,500-dollar affiliation fee electronically last week, making any suggestion of suspension baseless.

“The issue of suspension does not arise because the affiliation fee of 1,500 dollars was paid electronically since last week. The information circulated was half-baked and clearly intended to mislead the public,” he said.

Runsewe further explained that the payment of international affiliation fees falls under the responsibility of the National Sports Commission (NSC), which routinely settles such obligations on behalf of national sports federations.

“Affiliation fees are the responsibility of the National Sports Commission. The commission has always handled such obligations on behalf of national federations,” he added.

The NGF president also revealed that he had spoken directly with the President of the African Golf Confederation, Ambassador Johnson Omolo, who denied authorising any interview or issuing a statement announcing the suspension of Nigeria.

“I spoke directly with Amb. Johnson Omolo. He categorically told me that neither the AGC nor its officials granted any interview or issued any press release to any media organisation on the purported suspension of Nigeria,” Runsewe said.

“That alone confirms that the report was fabricated by persons who failed to verify their claims with the appropriate authorities before publication.”

Runsewe also clarified that the African Golf Confederation has no administrative responsibility for the All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), noting that the competition is organised independently.

He explained that while the AGC sanctions men’s golf events across the continent, programmes organised by the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) are recognised under the All Africa Challenge Trophy Association (AACTA), with both bodies operating independently.

Consequently, he dismissed attempts to link the alleged suspension of the NGF with Nigeria’s hosting of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy, describing such claims as unfounded.

Runsewe said preparations for the continental championship were progressing smoothly, with approximately 30 African countries expected to participate.

He also commended the President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, Dr Lami Ahmed, and her team for their efforts towards hosting a successful tournament.

“We are already expecting about 30 countries in Nigeria, and all stakeholders remain committed to delivering a successful championship,” he said.

Runsewe urged the media and the public to disregard the reports, insisting that Nigerian golf remains united and focused on delivering a successful 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy.