Joel Ajayi

The 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially teed off at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, bringing together approximately 60 amateur female golfers from 20 African countries for the battle for continental honours.

Nigeria’s First Lady and Grand Patron of AACT 2026, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, performed the ceremonial tee-off at the opening ceremony on Tuesday, November 3, signalling the commencement of the continental championship.

The opening ceremony featured the hoisting of flags representing participating countries and attracted government representatives, sports administrators, golf stakeholders and other dignitaries.

The championship also provides an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its capacity to host major international sporting events, with support from the Federal Government and the efforts of security agencies contributing to a safe and welcoming environment for visiting teams and officials.

On the course, the opening round saw golfers begin their pursuit of the coveted trophy, with each participating nation seeking to establish an early advantage in the competition.

For the visiting players, the experience in Abuja has so far extended beyond the golf course. Several have expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s hospitality, culture and security, while also commending the beauty and improvements at the newly renovated IBB International Golf and Country Club.

Despite the warm reception, however, the visiting teams have made their competitive intentions clear, insisting that they are in Nigeria to challenge for the championship and not merely to enjoy the experience.

For the host nation, the ambition is equally significant, with Nigeria determined to combine a successful hosting experience with a strong showing from its players.

President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), Dr Lami Onayi Ahmed, expressed hope that the championship would further strengthen relationships among African nations while projecting Nigeria in a positive light.

She noted that beyond the competition for the trophy, AACT offers a valuable platform for friendship, unity, cultural exchange and the promotion of women’s golf across the continent.

The championship also carries a development and legacy dimension through the Girls in Golf initiative, which is introducing young girls to the sport and inspiring them to aspire to compete at the highest level. One of the programme’s beneficiaries expressed the ambition of developing into a player who could one day represent Nigeria at the All-Africa Challenge Trophy.

Earlier on Tuesday, Nigerian golfers and international players also participated in the AACT Supporters Tournament, adding to the activities surrounding the championship.

Nigeria is hosting the All-Africa Challenge Trophy for the third time, having previously staged the competition in Lagos in 1996 and at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, in 2010.

With the opening round completed, attention now shifts to day two of the championship as the golfers return to the course to continue their pursuit of the continental title.

As competition intensifies, Abuja is set to remain the meeting point for African women’s amateur golf, with participating nations seeking sporting success while celebrating the unity and friendship that the game brings across the continent.

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