Nigeria’s Triumphant Bid and the Legacy of the All Africa Challenge Trophy
In a resounding victory for Nigerian sports, the nation has secured the coveted bid to host the 2026 edition of the prestigious All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), the premier continental ladies’ golf championship. This marks a significant milestone for Nigeria, representing the third time the country will welcome Africa’s finest female golfers. The AACT, a biennial competition inaugurated in Zimbabwe in 1992, has become a cornerstone of women’s golf development across the continent. Nigeria previously hosted the tournament in 1996 at the historic Ikoyi Club and again in 2010 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja. This upcoming edition builds on the successful hosting of the West and Central Africa Challenge Trophy at Lakowe Lakes Golf Estates and Resort in Lagos in 2023, further solidifying Nigeria’s reputation as a capable and enthusiastic host for international golfing events.
The Nigerian delegation, led by Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) President Evelyn Oyome, emerged victorious from a competitive bidding process in Morocco, where the 16th edition of the AACT recently concluded. Twenty countries vied for the honor of hosting the 2026 tournament, with Nigeria securing the majority of votes. Oyome attributed the win to several factors, including the successful hosting of the regional West and Central Africa Challenge Trophy, which showcased Nigeria’s world-class golfing facilities and organizational prowess. This prior experience, coupled with the country’s demonstrated commitment to women’s golf, resonated with the voting delegates and ultimately secured Nigeria’s winning bid. The upcoming tournament promises to be a spectacle of skill and sportsmanship, attracting golfers from at least 30 countries across the continent.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has been selected as the host city for the 2026 AACT. The FCT’s infrastructure, accessibility, and ability to accommodate a large influx of international guests were key factors in its selection. Hosting the AACT in Abuja presents a unique opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s capital city and promote the country on a global stage. Oyome emphasized the significance of the event, likening its prominence in the world of golf to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in football, highlighting its potential to generate tourism, investment, and international recognition for Nigeria. The AACT is not merely a sporting event; it is a platform for cultural exchange, economic growth, and the advancement of women’s sports in Africa.
The 16th edition of the AACT, held in Agadir, Morocco, provided a thrilling display of golf talent, culminating in a historic victory for the host nation. Morocco, hosting the championship for the first time, showcased the Golf de Tazegzout, a stunning course that challenged the skills of the participating golfers. The Moroccan national team’s exceptional performance secured them the coveted trophy, besting perennial powerhouse South Africa by two strokes, a testament to the growth and development of Moroccan women’s golf. Kenya rounded out the top three, demonstrating the increasing competitiveness of the sport across the continent.
The Nigerian team, composed of Evelyn Oyome, Nnenna Ahube, and Pearl Omaruaye, competed valiantly, ultimately finishing 12th overall but claiming the top spot among West African nations. For Ahube, the tournament marked her debut in the AACT, providing valuable experience and insights into the high level of competition at the continental level. She highlighted the challenges faced by the Nigerian team, including limited practice time on the course compared to other teams like South Africa, who benefited from government-sponsored training programs. Ahube’s reflections underscore the importance of adequate preparation, sponsorship, and the identification of talented golfers to enhance Nigeria’s performance in future tournaments.
The 2026 AACT in Nigeria holds immense promise, not only as a sporting spectacle but also as a catalyst for the development of women’s golf in the country. Learning from the experiences of past tournaments, the LGAN aims to leverage the upcoming event to inspire young girls to take up the sport, create opportunities for aspiring golfers, and elevate the standard of women’s golf in Nigeria. The tournament will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy, promoting the sport and contributing to its growth across Africa. With adequate planning, sponsorship, and support, the 2026 AACT has the potential to be a transformative event, showcasing Nigeria’s commitment to sports development and its ability to host world-class competitions.
