The 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy has officially begun at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja, Nigeria. The tournament brings together approximately 60 amateur female golfers from 20 African countries. The event was marked by a ceremonial tee-off by Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who is also the Grand Patron of AACT 2026. The championship aims to promote women's golf and unity among African nations.
The opening ceremony featured the hoisting of flags representing participating countries and was attended by government representatives, sports administrators, golf stakeholders, and other dignitaries. The event provides an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its capacity to host major international sporting events. The Federal Government and security agencies have contributed to a safe and welcoming environment for visiting teams and officials.
The championship's first round saw golfers begin their pursuit of the coveted trophy, with each participating nation seeking an early advantage. Visiting players have expressed appreciation for Nigeria's hospitality, culture, and security, as well as the improvements at the newly renovated IBB International Golf and Country Club. However, they have also made their competitive intentions clear, stating that they are in Nigeria to challenge for the championship.
The host nation, Nigeria, has significant ambitions for the tournament, aiming to combine a successful hosting experience with a strong showing from its players. The President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, Dr Lami Onayi Ahmed, expressed hope that the championship would strengthen relationships among African nations and project Nigeria in a positive light. She noted that AACT offers a valuable platform for friendship, unity, and cultural exchange.
The championship also carries a development and legacy dimension through the Girls in Golf initiative, which introduces young girls to the sport and inspires 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. Nigerian golfers and international players also participated in the AACT Supporters Tournament.
Nigeria is staging the All Africa Challenge Trophy for the third time, following previous editions in Lagos (1996) and at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja (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. The tournament is expected to promote women's golf and provide a platform for golfers to showcase their skills.
Key points
- The 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy has teed off in Abuja with 60 golfers from 20 countries competing for continental honours.
- The championship aims to promote women's golf and unity among African nations.
- Nigeria is staging the All Africa Challenge Trophy for the third time, following previous editions in Lagos (1996) and Abuja (2010).
