Abuja Gears Up To Host Pan-African Golf Extravaganza, All African Challenge Trophy

Abuja, Nigeria, is poised to welcome over 40 African nations for the 2026 All African Challenge Trophy (AACT), a significant golf tournament designed to champion excellence, unity, and the enduring spirit of the continent.

The prestigious competition, scheduled to run from 1st to 7th November 2026 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, is expected to draw top golfing talent from across Africa, transforming Abuja into a vibrant hub of sporting brilliance and continental solidarity.

Speaking at the official press briefing yesterday at the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Abuja, Dr. Lami Onayi Ahmed, President of the Ladies Golfers Association of Nigeria (LGAN), described the championship as more than just a tournament. She stated that the AACT represents a strategic platform to unite Africa through golf while showcasing Nigeria’s proven capability to host world-class sporting events.

“We are hosting to win, and with the support of every Nigerian, we will give our very best,” Dr. Ahmed confidently affirmed.

The organisers expressed pride in securing the hosting rights, emphasising that this 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,” they 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 his moral and financial support. She expressed hope that President Tinubu would serve as Chief Host and officially open the tournament, with the First Lady performing the ceremonial tee-off in recognition of the championship’s celebration of women in sport.

Mrs. Ekanem Ekwueme, AACT Trustee for West Central Africa, lauded LGAN for successfully securing the hosting rights, highlighting that this marks Nigeria’s third time hosting the championship, following editions in Lagos (1996) and Abuja (2010).

She explained that the AACT is a biennial tournament rotating among Africa’s four geographical regions.

To ensure a strong performance, LGAN plans to assemble a national team of three players and a captain. Their identities will remain confidential as they undergo intensive training and participate in selected competitions. Selection will be strictly performance-based, drawing from players with handicaps between 0 and 6.

The 2026 All African Challenge Trophy promises not only thrilling competition but also a powerful demonstration of Africa’s unity through sport.