ROAD TO ABUJA 2026 AACT - SERIES THREE

Beyond the Tophy: Building the future of women’s golf

By Staff Writer 

For Nigeria, the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy is about more than competing for a continental title.

As preparations gather pace for the November 1–7 championship at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja, the organisers are also looking beyond the tournament itself, with ambitions to use the event as a platform to strengthen women’s golf and inspire the next generation.

Dr. Lami Onayi Ahmed, FNIM, President of the Ladies’ Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) and Chairperson of the AACT Nigeria 2026 Local Organising Committee, says Team Nigeria is preparing seriously for the challenge while the country hopes to create a lasting legacy for girls and young women across Africa.

Q: How is Team Nigeria preparing for the competition?

A : Team Nigeria understands the significance of competing on home soil.

Our players are preparing seriously, and there is a strong sense of responsibility because they know they will be representing not only themselves but the entire country.

Our focus is on ensuring that the players are technically, physically and mentally prepared for the championship.

Playing at home comes with advantages, but it also brings expectations. We therefore want our players to remain disciplined and focused and approach the championship one round at a time.
We believe in Team Nigeria. 

We know the quality and potential of our players, and we expect them to compete with confidence, determination and pride.

Q: How important is this tournament for the development of women’s golf in Nigeria and across Africa?

A: The importance of the AACT goes far beyond the trophy.

This championship provides African female golfers with an important platform to compete internationally, gain experience and measure themselves against the best players on the continent. 

It also creates visibility for women’s golf and provides young girls with role models whom they can see, identify with and aspire to emulate.

For Nigeria, we are particularly interested in using AACT 2026 as a catalyst for grassroots development. 

One of the legacies we want from this championship is increased participation by girls and young women in golf.

We want a young girl watching these players in Abuja to be able to say: “I can do this too. I can represent Nigeria. I can represent Africa. I can compete on the world stage.”

That is why our vision extends beyond November 2026. We want AACT Nigeria 2026 to leave a lasting legacy of participation, opportunity and empowerment.

Q : What does the future of women’s golf in Africa look like?

A : Women’s golf in Africa has enormous potential.

If we continue to invest in grassroots programmes, coaching, facilities, competitions and opportunities for young players, Africa can produce many more world-class female golfers.

For us, therefore, AACT Nigeria 2026 is not simply about hosting a championship; it is about building the future of women’s golf in Africa.

The tournament gives us an opportunity to inspire girls, increase participation and demonstrate what African women can achieve when they are given the right platform and support.

The legacy we want is one where more girls pick up a golf club, more young women see golf as a pathway and more African players have the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

AACT Nigeria 2026 should therefore be remembered not only for who lifted the trophy, but also for the doors it opened for the next generation.