The IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja, Nigeria, is set to reopen for golfing activities in preparation for the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT). The club has been closed for over a year as part of a Federal Government-backed rehabilitation programme. The AACT is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7 at the Abuja golf course. The club's Board of Trustees has assured that the continental championship will proceed as planned despite ongoing rehabilitation works.
Chairperson of the club's Board of Trustees and President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, inspected the course and facilities at the club, expressing confidence that the tournament will go ahead as scheduled. She assured that the state of the course is good and that everything will be made available to enable participating countries to play a beautiful golf game throughout the period.
The assurance from the club's Board of Trustees is significant as preparations for the continental event enter their final weeks. The prolonged closure of the Abuja course had generated uncertainty over Nigeria's readiness to host the championship. However, Dongban-Mensem emphasized that the club is ready to host the tournament, saying, "We expect our participating countries to come, and we are sure that everything will be made available to enable them to play a beautiful golf game."
President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, Lami Ahmed, also expressed satisfaction with the facilities following the inspection. Ahmed commended the Board of Trustees and the club's management for taking responsibility for hosting the tournament, describing the AACT as an event capable of giving Nigeria an opportunity to showcase its golfing facilities.
Ahmed further emphasized that the championship will offer more than just competition, expressing confidence that visiting players and officials will have a memorable experience in Abuja. She added that the event will be an experience beyond competition, allowing participants to enjoy the city's hospitality.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Interim Management Committee and former club captain, Peter Deshi, disclosed that the club is expected to reopen for regular golfing activities within the next month. The rehabilitation works extend beyond the 18-hole course, with ongoing work on the clubhouse and other facilities to improve the overall environment.
With the championship scheduled to begin on November 2, the focus is now on completing the remaining rehabilitation works and restoring the facility to full golfing use before teams from across Africa arrive in Abuja. The successful hosting of the AACT is expected to showcase Nigeria's golfing facilities and provide a memorable experience for participants.
Key points
- The IBB International Golf and Country Club is set to reopen for golfing activities ahead of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy.
- The club's Board of Trustees has assured that the continental championship will proceed as planned despite ongoing rehabilitation works.
- The successful hosting of the AACT is expected to showcase Nigeria's golfing facilities and provide a memorable experience for participants.
