The week-long activities designed as part of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy got underway on Monday, November 2, 2026, with the Girls in Golf initiative. This program is aimed at empowering young girls and inspiring the next generation of female golfers in Nigeria. The initiative was organized by the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) and took place at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja.
According to Dr. Lami Ahmed, LGAN President and Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, no fewer than 60 young girls participated in the training program. The initiative was designed to extend golf's impact beyond competition by investing in young people and creating opportunities for their development. Dr. Ahmed emphasized that golf is not just about playing the game; it is also about giving back to society.
The Girls in Golf initiative aims to introduce young girls to the sport, ignite their interest, and expose them to the opportunities available through golf. The program also seeks to help girls develop valuable skills, build confidence, and make informed decisions about their future careers. Dr. Ahmed noted that the association had observed an increase in the number of female caddies across the country, making it necessary to create structured pathways for girls interested in golf.
The initiative will encourage girls to explore different opportunities within the sport, including playing professionally and pursuing other golf-related careers. Dr. Ahmed expressed gratitude to Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the President and founder of the Renewed Hope Initiative, for supporting the program and the 2026 AACT. She said the First Lady had demonstrated a strong commitment to human capital development, particularly initiatives that empower women and the girl-child.
Sen. Oluremi Tinubu's support for the program was due to her belief in giving back to society, especially by supporting children and creating opportunities for them to thrive. Preparations for the championship are progressing well, with teams from various African countries already in Abuja. The week-long continental women's golf championship is expected to end on Friday, with teams from at least 20 African countries competing for honors.
According to Dr. Ahmed, LGAN remains committed to using golf as a platform for youth development, empowerment, and the promotion of greater participation by women and girls in sports. She urged stakeholders to support initiatives that would make golf more accessible to young girls and create sustainable pathways for their participation in the sport.
The 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy is expected to be a significant event in the golfing calendar, with a focus on promoting women's golf in Africa. The championship will provide a platform for female golfers to showcase their skills and compete at a high level. The event is also expected to inspire young girls to take up the sport and pursue careers in golf.
Key points
- The Girls in Golf initiative aims to empower young girls and inspire the next generation of female golfers in Nigeria.
- The 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy is expected to feature teams from at least 20 African countries competing for honors.
- The initiative was supported by Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the President and founder of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
