NGF Suspension Will Not Cost Nigeria 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy, LGAN Insists

The Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) has dismissed reports suggesting that Nigeria could lose the hosting rights for the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) following the suspension of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) by the African Golf Confederation (AGC).

In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, LGAN President and Chairperson of the 2026 AACT Local Organising Committee, Dr Lami Ahmed, insisted that the continental women’s amateur golf championship would go ahead as planned from 2 to 7 November 2026 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

Her clarification followed speculation that the AGC’s decision to suspend the NGF over outstanding affiliation fees could jeopardise Nigeria’s right to host the tournament.

Dr Ahmed described such reports as “false, misleading and without any factual basis”, stressing that the suspension of the Nigeria Golf Federation has no bearing on the organisation of the All Africa Challenge Trophy.

“There is absolutely no truth in the rumour that the disagreement between the Nigeria Golf Federation and the African Golf Confederation will result in the suspension, cancellation or withdrawal of Nigeria’s hosting rights for the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy,” she said.

She explained that the championship is organised by the All Africa Challenge Trophy Association (AACTA), which is responsible for women’s amateur golf under the AACT framework, and not by the African Golf Confederation.

According to her, the AGC governs men’s golf on the continent and organises separate competitions, making it incorrect to link issues involving the federation with the hosting of the women’s championship.

“These are two distinct organisations with different mandates and competitions. It is therefore incorrect to associate issues concerning one organisation with the operations or hosting of the other,” Dr Ahmed added.

She disclosed that preparations for the tournament were progressing smoothly, with more than 30 African countries already registered to participate, reflecting confidence in Nigeria’s ability to stage one of the continent’s leading women’s golf events.

Dr Ahmed also assured participating nations, sponsors and other stakeholders that the Local Organising Committee remained fully committed to delivering a successful championship.

She noted that hosting the tournament aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to attract major international sporting events as part of the National Sports Commission’s sports development agenda under the leadership of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade.

According to her, the initiative is expected to boost Nigeria’s international image, promote sports tourism, encourage youth development and strengthen sporting ties across Africa.

LGAN therefore urged the public and the media to disregard what it described as misinformation regarding Nigeria’s hosting status, reaffirming that all arrangements for the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy remain firmly on course.