AACT 2026: LGAN President Targets Growth Of Women’s Golf As 60 Players Battle For African Title 

President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), Dr Lami Onayi Ahmed, has identified the promotion of women’s golf, continental unity and talent development as key objectives of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), which has brought together about 60 amateur golfers from 20 African countries in Abuja.

Ahmed said the championship, which teed off at the IBB International Golf and Country Club on Tuesday, November 3, offers more than an opportunity for participating countries to compete for continental honours, describing it as an important platform for strengthening relationships and advancing women’s golf across Africa.

The competition, which features some of the continent’s leading female amateur golfers, will see participating nations battle for the coveted trophy, with Nigeria hoping to make its home advantage count.

Speaking at the championship, Ahmed said the gathering of golfers from different African countries presented an opportunity to promote friendship, unity and cultural exchange through sport.

She noted that the competition would also help raise the profile of women’s golf while encouraging stronger collaboration among African golf associations.

Beyond the contest for the trophy, the LGAN president highlighted the Girls in Golf initiative as an important legacy programme of the championship, aimed at introducing young girls to the sport and inspiring them to pursue competitive golf.

One of the beneficiaries of the initiative expressed her ambition to develop into a player capable of representing Nigeria at future editions of the All Africa Challenge Trophy.

The opening ceremony was marked by the ceremonial tee-off performed by Nigeria’s First Lady and Grand Patron of AACT 2026, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, alongside the hoisting of flags of participating countries.

The opening round subsequently saw the golfers take to the course in pursuit of an early advantage, with visiting teams making their competitive ambitions clear despite praising the hospitality and facilities in Abuja.

The newly renovated IBB International Golf and Country Club has also received positive comments from visiting players, who expressed appreciation for the improvements to the course and the reception accorded their delegations.

Nigeria is hosting the continental championship for the third time, having previously staged the event in Lagos in 1996 and Abuja in 2010.

Earlier on Tuesday, local and visiting golfers participated in the AACT Supporters Tournament as part of activities surrounding the championship.

With the opening round completed, attention has shifted to the remaining rounds as the 20 participating countries continue their pursuit of the continental crown.

For Nigeria, the championship presents a dual opportunity to deliver a successful international event and strengthen its position in the development of women’s golf, particularly through initiatives designed to bring more young girls into the sport.