First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu declared the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) open on Tuesday, describing the golf championship as a platform for promoting African unity, friendship, and sporting excellence.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s third time hosting the continental tournament reflects the confidence reposed in the country by the African golfing community.
She commended the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), led by President Lami Ahmed, and applauded LGAN’s “Girls in Golf Legacy Project,” which aims to introduce 300 young girls to the sport across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
AACT President Cécile Poncet described the competition as an opportunity for African women golfers to celebrate their talents and build lasting friendships, paying tribute to past pioneers of the championship.
LGAN President Ahmed disclosed that 20 African countries are participating in the edition hosted at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja. The 54-hole tournament features three daily rounds of 18 holes.
The President of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, alongside other dignitaries, praised the First Lady’s support for women’s sports and welcomed visiting delegations.
The opening ceremony featured the hoisting of flags by representatives of the 20 participating nations and a ceremonial tee-off by the First Lady. The continental tournament runs through Saturday.
