Nigeria has secured the bid to host the 2026 edition of the prestigious All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), a premier ladies’ golf championship in Africa. This monumental win solidifies Nigeria’s position as a leading destination for world-class golfing events on the continent.
The AACT, a biennial event, began in 1992 in Zimbabwe and has grown to become the pinnacle of African women’s golf. Nigeria has previously hosted the tournament twice: in 1996 at Ikoyi Club 1938 and in 2010 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja. The 2026 championship marks the third time Nigeria will take center stage, underscoring the country’s legacy in the sport.
This victory comes on the heels of Nigeria’s successful hosting of the West and Central Africa Challenge Trophy at the Lakowe Lakes Golf Estates and Resort in Lagos in 2023. The event, featuring ten countries, showcased Nigeria’s exceptional golfing facilities and organizational prowess, giving the nation a competitive edge in the bidding process for the AACT.
Evelyn Oyome, President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria and head of the Nigerian delegation to the AACT’s 16th edition in Morocco, expressed excitement over the achievement. She highlighted that Nigeria emerged victorious among 20 nations that competed for the hosting rights.
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“The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will serve as the host city for the 2026 AACT, meeting all the required criteria. We expect over 30 countries to participate, making this a fantastic opportunity to showcase Nigeria to the rest of Africa,” Oyome stated. She likened the AACT to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in football, emphasizing its significance in promoting Nigeria on the global stage.
The announcement follows the conclusion of the 16th edition of the AACT, held for the first time in Morocco at the Golf de Tazegzout in Agadir from November 28 to 30. The Moroccan women’s national team emerged as champions, defeating 20 other nations, including South Africa, which had dominated 14 of the tournament’s 15 previous editions.
With Nigeria’s selection as the host of the 2026 AACT, the country is set to welcome Africa’s best golfers and further cement its reputation as a powerhouse for sporting excellence.
