Nigeria has been selected to host the 2026 edition of the All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), a premier biennial women’s golf championship in Africa. This marks the third time Nigeria will host the prestigious event, having previously done so in 1996 at the Ikoyi Club in Lagos and in 2010 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja.
The announcement came during the 16th edition of the AACT, held in Morocco from November 28 to 30, 2024. Evelyn Oyome, President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) and leader of the Nigerian delegation, confirmed the victory. Nigeria secured the hosting rights after receiving the majority of votes from 20 participating countries.
“Our successful hosting of the West and Central Africa Challenge Trophy last year at Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate and Resort in Lagos gave us an edge,” Oyome explained. She highlighted Nigeria’s exceptional golfing facilities and the country’s track record in organizing top-tier events as factors that contributed to the win.
The 2026 championship will be held in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Oyome noted that the FCT met all the criteria for hosting, offering world-class infrastructure and a vibrant environment to welcome players and officials from across the continent. Approximately 30 countries are expected to participate in the event.
“This is a significant opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s potential on a global scale,” Oyome said. “The AACT is equivalent to the Africa Cup of Nations in football, and hosting it will elevate Nigeria’s profile in the golfing world.”
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The 2024 championship, hosted for the first time by Morocco at the Golf de Tazegzout in Agadir, saw the Moroccan national women’s team clinch a historic victory. The team, led by captain Raja Hasnaoui and including Sofia Cherif Essakali, Rim Imni, and Nadia Sanz Ouezzani, achieved a total score of -7, edging out South Africa (-5) and Kenya (+7).
South Africa, which has dominated the competition with 14 wins in the past, finished second, while Kenya claimed third place.
The Nigerian team, comprising LGAN President Evelyn Oyome, Nnenna Ahube, and Pearl Omaruaye, placed 12th overall but ranked first among West African countries. Ahube reflected on her debut at the AACT, acknowledging the challenges faced due to limited preparation time.
“For me, it was an exciting experience, despite the challenges,” Ahube said. “While countries like South Africa trained extensively on the course, we arrived just two days before the competition with only one day to practice.”
With the AACT 2026 on the horizon, Nigeria has a unique chance to further develop its golf infrastructure and inspire the next generation of female golfers. The event promises to attract attention from across the continent, offering a platform for showcasing both the nation’s sporting talent and its hospitality.
As preparations begin, the LGAN and other stakeholders are optimistic about delivering a championship that will leave a lasting legacy for golf in Nigeria.
