Abuja is set to host golfers from more than 40 African countries for the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy, which will begin on November 2 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club and conclude on November 7.
Nigeria is staging the competition for the third time, having previously hosted in 1996 at Ikoyi Club and again in Abuja in 2010. The Ladies Golfers Association of Nigeria (LGAN), which secured the hosting bid, has stated that its ambition extends beyond delivering a successful tournament, with the host nation also targeting the title.
LGAN President Dr Lami Onayi Ahmed, who is also the chair of the Local Organising Committee, said the event provides an important opportunity to bring Africa together through golf while demonstrating Nigeria’s ability to deliver elite international sporting competitions. She commended the support of the National Sports Commission, led by Shehu Dikko, and said infrastructure upgrades overseen by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had contributed to Abuja’s readiness.
The LGAN has invited the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy to serve as a co-host and formally recognise the competition as an Official Cultural Economy Event. It is also seeking the inclusion of a Sports-to-Business Investment Pavilion in Nigeria’s showcase at the Nigeria-Belgium-Luxembourg Business Forum, scheduled for October 28 to 30 in Brussels.
Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa said the championship represents an opportunity to expand the country’s tourism story beyond Lagos.
Ekanem Ekwueme, the All Africa Challenge Trophy trustee for West Central Africa, said the 2026 tournament would raise the benchmark for quality across the continent.
Despite the event being only two weeks away, Nigeria has not yet named its captain or playing team.
