Success

Abuja, November 7, 2026 (www.crestnewsonline.ng)

President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), Dr. Lami Ahmed, says the just-concluded 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) was a huge success.

Ahmed who was the Chairperson of the continental women golf competition held at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja said the event’s successful outing was a result of great support from all concerned.

Ahmed who spoke during the banquet held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre for the visiting players, spectators, sponsors and others also expressed gratitude to the African golfing authorities, the R & A, for giving Nigeria the opportunity to host the prestigious women’s event.

“The tournament demonstrated the positive impact of providing young female golfers with the right environment to develop and compete internationally.

“We are grateful to the AACT leadership for giving Nigeria this opportunity and to the IBB International Golf and Country Club for providing its facilities,” she said.

Ahmed saluted Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for her involvement which helped to elevate the championship’s profile while encouraging greater participation and commitment among young female golfers.

“We are also deeply grateful to the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, whose acceptance to become patron of the championship, changed the entire outlook of the competition,” she said.

The past Lady Captain of the IBB International Golf and Country Club also commended Senate President Goodswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other state governors and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for their support both morally and financially to the success of the event.

The outgoing AACT President, Madam Cécile Poncet, on her part described Nigeria’s hosting as a significant contribution to the development of women’s golf in Africa.

She said the championship had continued to provide an important platform for African countries to showcase their talents, strengthen relationships and promote excellence in the sport.

Poncet said the quality of competition, particularly the performances of the younger golfers, demonstrated the bright future of women’s golf on the continent.

“I commend LGAN and the Nigerian organisers for delivering a memorable championship, and I am confident that the tournament will continue to grow in stature,” she said.

Also speaking, Ekanem Ekwueme, the AACT Trustee for West and Central Africa, said the competition had reinforced the importance of regional cooperation in developing women’s golf.

Ekwueme said Nigeria’s successful hosting, coupled with the performances of the participating countries, reflected the progress being made in expanding opportunities for female golfers.

She particularly highlighted the emergence of young talents such as Muthomi, describing their achievements as encouraging signs for the future of African golf.

Ekwueme urged stakeholders to sustain the momentum by investing in grassroots golf development, coaching, junior competitions and improved facilities.

The championship attracted golfers from every part of Africa, with some of them being South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Rwanda, Tunisia, Gabon, Mauritius, Namibia, Malawi, Eswatini, Senegal, Cameroon, Togo and hosts Nigeria.

The 2026 edition further reinforced the AACT’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading platforms for promoting women’s amateur golf, continental unity and the development of emerging talents.

The week-long championship which began on Monday ended on Friday night with a colourful dinner/closing ceremony as well as the cutting of tournament cake. said.(www.crestnewsonline.ng)

*Edited by Olawale Lawanson Alabi