Hosting

Abuja, November 3, 2026 (www.crestnewsonline.ng) Lami Ahmed, President of the Ladies Golfers Association of Nigeria (LGAN), says hosting the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) championship in Abuja was a major responsibility the association faced with all seriousness.

Ahmed, while speaking on Tuesday in Abuja, admitted that the scale of the assignment initially appeared overwhelming.

“The decision to bid for the competition was taken two years ago, but we eventually secured the hosting rights.

“We had previously hosted the championship in 1996 and 2010, making the 2026 edition the country’s third opportunity to stage the continental competition.

“But the decision to bring the tournament to Abuja was driven partly by the desire to showcase a different side of Nigeria to the international community and respond to President Bola Tinubu’s call for sports to be recognised beyond competition and as a tool for national and continental unity,” she explained.

The LGAN president hailed the support received from First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, pointing out that her presence at the opening ceremony had given significant encouragement to women golfers and the association’s development agenda.

Speaking also, the AACT President, Cecile Poncet, said the championship was not just a sports competition, but an important block in building friendships, exchanging experiences and celebrating the talent of African women golfers.

“Participating players and countries need to preserve the association’s founding vision while creating more opportunities for emerging players to develop and compete at international level.

On her part, AACT Trustee for West and Central Africa, Ekanem Ekwueme, said the championship offered an important platform for building character, discipline, leadership and lasting relationships among female golfers.

Players from 20 countries are competing over five days in a championship showcasing Africa’s leading female golfing talents in a contest for continental honours.

It is also providing a platform to strengthen relationships and promote the development of women’s golf across Africa.

The championship holding at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja will end on Friday.(www.crestnewsonline.ng)

*Edited by Olawale Lawanson Alabi