Golf: Nigeria wins bid to host 2026 AAC Trophy

Nigeria has won the bid to host the next edition of the prestigious All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) in 2026.

AACT is a biennial continental ladies golf championship in Africa and it was first held in May 1992 in Zimbabwe.

Sporting Tribune reports that Nigeria hosted the AACT in 1996 at the Ikoyi Club 1938 and in 2010, the AACT was played at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja. The 2026 edition will thus be the third time Nigeria will be hosting the championship.

President, Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), Evelyn Oyome, who was the leader of the Nigerian delegation to the championship’s 16th edition in Morocco said Nigeria emerged winner from the 20 countries that took part in the bidding process.

“Nigeria had earlier hosted the West, Central Africa Challenge Trophy in October last year at the Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate and Resort in Lagos showcasing its outstanding golfing facilities, with no fewer than 10 countries participating.

“So, hosting that championship successfully last year kind of gave us the edge amongst so many other countries who also bidded and winning was a huge victory for Nigeria,” she said.

The LGAN President said Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would be the host city for the AACT 2026 edition with no fewer than 30 countries expected to participate in the championship.

“The FCT met all the criteria for a host city, and it will be a great opportunity to welcome the whole of Africa into the nation’s capital. The AACT is a great opportunity to promote Nigeria. It is indeed equivalent to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in football,” she said.

Morocco hosted the championship (AACT) for the first time at the Golf de Tazegzout in Agadir from November 28 to November 30, 2024.

The Moroccan national team comprised Sofia Cherif Essakali, Rim Imni, Nadia Sanz Ouezzani and their captain Raja Hasnaoui, won the Championship with a total score of -7, ahead of South Africa by two shots (-5). Kenya finished 3rd in the competition (+7).

The Nigerian team of Oyome, Nnenna Ahube and Pearl Omaruaye gave their best but settled for the 12th position though coming 1st amongst West African countries.