IBB Golf Club Ready For 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy, Says Appeal Court President

The President of the Court of Appeal and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has assured that the Abuja golf club will be ready to host the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT).

The continental championship is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7, 2026, at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, which has been closed to regular golfing activities for more than a year to allow for extensive renovation works being undertaken by the Federal Government.

Speaking after an inspection of the golf course and other facilities on Wednesday, Justice Dongban-Mensem dismissed concerns over the club’s preparedness, saying the course was already in good shape for the championship.

“First of all, we are here at the IBB golf course. You can see that the course is in good shape,” she said.

“I want to assure you that the AACT 2026 will hold as scheduled. We expect the participating countries to come, and we are sure that everything will be made available to enable them to play a beautiful game of golf throughout the period of the championship.

“Everything will not necessarily be in perfect condition, but as far as golfing is concerned, we are ready and the tournament will hold, by the grace of God.”

Her assurance comes amid concerns among stakeholders and prospective participants over whether the prolonged closure and ongoing rehabilitation could affect Nigeria’s hosting of the prestigious continental tournament.

The President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, Lami Ahmed, who also inspected the facilities, expressed satisfaction with the progress of work and the club’s commitment to hosting the championship.

Ahmed thanked the Board of Trustees and management of the club for providing the facilities and support needed to stage the event.

“We are absolutely delighted and happy, and we are grateful to the BOT and the management for giving us the shoulders to lean on to host this all-important tournament,” she said.

“We said we went to look for a square and came back with an elephant, and it is only IBB International Golf and Country Club that can carry the weight.”

She said the championship would offer participants an experience beyond competition, while expressing confidence that Nigeria would be proud of the event.

“It is actually going to be an experience beyond competition,” Ahmed added.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Interim Management Committee and former captain of the club, Peter Deshi, disclosed that the IBB International Golf and Country Club is expected to reopen for regular golfing activities within the next month.

The rehabilitation programme extends beyond the golf course, with renovation work also ongoing at the clubhouse and other facilities as part of efforts to improve the overall environment ahead of the continental championship.

With less than five weeks to the November 2 opening date, the club’s management and stakeholders are now working towards completing the necessary facilities and ensuring that the venue meets the requirements for the AACT.

The 2026 AACT is expected to bring golfers from across Africa to Abuja, with Nigeria set to use the championship to showcase its facilities and capacity to host major international golfing events.