Golf: NSC backs 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has endorsed Nigeria’s hosting of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, gave the assurance while receiving a delegation of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2026 AACT would be hosted by LGAN in Abuja from Nov. 1 to Nov. 7, with no fewer than 30 African countries expected to participate.

The delegation was led by LGAN President, Lami Ahmed, facilitators of Nigeria’s AACT successful hosting bid.

Dikko commended LGAN for the feat, noting that it aligned with the Commission’s vision to position Nigeria as a global sports hub.

He said that the endorsement also reinforced President Bola Tinubu’s sports economy agenda under the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE).

“What you have achieved fits perfectly with our sports economy mandate under RHINSE.

“To unlock the sports economy, we must host international tournaments.

“Their value chains create jobs, boost tourism and enhance Nigeria’s global image,” he said.

Dikko said the Commission targeted at least three per cent contribution of sports to Nigeria’s GDP through deliberate hosting strategies.

He assured LGAN of full regulatory and institutional backing for the tournament’s success.

“There are no big or small sports here. We will provide the necessary enablers and set up the right committee to support this event,” Dikko said.

He also commended Nigerian female athletes for consistently flying the nation’s flag across international platforms.

LGAN President, Ahmed noted that securing the hosting right exceeded expectations, describing the journey as “going into the bush for a squirrel but coming back with an elephant.”

“This tournament is bigger than LGAN. We came to seek institutional support to manage the scale and opportunity before us,” she said.

NAN also reports that at least 30 African countries have indicated interest in the tournament, designed to expose amateur golfers to continental and global opportunities.

The All Africa Challenge Trophy serves as a talent assessment platform for international golf bodies.

The AACT was first staged in May 1992 in Zimbabwe.

Nigeria previously hosted the championship in 1996 at Ikoyi Club 1938, Lagos, and in 2010 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

The 2026 tournament will mark the third time the country will host the event. (NAN)

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