Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has declared the 2026 All-Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) Championship open, expressing delight that the country is hosting the prestigious continental golf tournament for the third time.
The First Lady, who is the Grand Patron of AACT 2026, performed the ceremonial tee-off at the opening ceremony held at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, on Tuesday.
She said Nigeria’s hosting of the championship for the third time demonstrated the confidence reposed in the country by the African golfing community.
“I am delighted and proud that Nigeria is hosting this prestigious championship for the third time. This is a testament to the strong confidence the African golfing community places in our nation’s capacity, unity, and sporting excellence,” she said.
With 20 African countries participating in the championship, Tinubu said golf remained an important platform for promoting unity, friendship and cultural exchange across the continent.
She described the theme of the championship, “Uniting Africa Through the Greens,” as a reflection of the sport’s ability to transcend national and cultural boundaries.
The First Lady also commended the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria for introducing the Girls in Golf Legacy Project, which is expected to introduce 300 young girls to the sport across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
“As a mother and advocate for women and girls, I commend the Ladies’ Golf Association of Nigeria for the Girls in Golf Legacy Project, which will introduce 300 young girls to golf across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria and open new opportunities for the next generation,” she said.
She urged the participating female golfers to compete with passion, integrity and sportsmanship, while wishing them a successful championship.
Tinubu also encouraged the visiting golfers to explore Nigeria’s tourist attractions, experience its rich cultural heritage and enjoy the hospitality of Nigerians.
“To our remarkable female golfers, you are an inspiration to the womenfolk. Play with passion, compete with integrity, and let sportsmanship guide every stroke,” she added.
“May the best team win, and may our bond as one Africa grow even stronger.”
Earlier, the President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, Dr Lami Onayi, and the President of the Nigeria Golf Federation, Otunba Segun Runsewe, alongside other speakers, described golf as a unifying sport that should be embraced by people of all genders and age groups.
They also noted the growing prominence of female golfers, particularly Nigerians, in the sport.
The opening ceremony featured a ceremonial tee-off by the First Lady, other dignitaries and some of the 300 young girls participating in the Girls in Golf Legacy Project.
The championship is scheduled to end on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
