Nigeria Stripped Of 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy Hosting Rights Over Golf Federation Suspension

Nigeria has lost the right to host the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) after the Africa Golf Confederation (AGC) suspended the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) over unpaid statutory affiliation fees.

The development is a significant blow to Nigerian golf and comes as preparations were already underway for the prestigious women’s amateur championship, which had been scheduled to take place from 2 to 7 November 2026 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja. The Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) had been leading local arrangements for the event on behalf of the country.

In a suspension letter dated 17 July 2026 and addressed to NGF President, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, the AGC said the federation failed to settle its outstanding affiliation fees despite being granted a 30-day grace period and receiving a final reminder.

According to the continental governing body, the Nigeria Golf Federation neither responded to its correspondence nor submitted any proposal for settling the outstanding debt, prompting the AGC to invoke its constitutional provisions and suspend the federation with immediate effect.

The suspension carries far-reaching consequences for Nigerian golf. Apart from costing the country the hosting rights for the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy, it also strips the NGF of all privileges associated with AGC membership.

Nigerian golfers will be ineligible to participate in AGC-sanctioned competitions, while member federations across Africa have also been barred from taking part in tournaments organised by the Nigeria Golf Federation until the suspension is lifted.

The loss of the hosting rights is particularly disappointing, as the championship was expected to showcase Nigeria’s capacity to stage major continental sporting events while boosting the profile of women’s golf in the country.

As President of the Nigeria Golf Federation, Runsewe bears overall responsibility for the administration of the federation, including ensuring compliance with statutory obligations to continental and international governing bodies. The AGC’s decision has therefore intensified scrutiny of the federation’s leadership and administrative management following the loss of one of Africa’s premier amateur golf tournaments.

The development also stands in contrast to the ongoing governance reforms championed by the National Sports Commission (NSC) under its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, whose administration has consistently advocated transparency, accountability and sound leadership across Nigeria’s sports federations to protect the country’s international standing.

The Africa Golf Confederation stated that the suspension will remain in force until the Nigeria Golf Federation settles all outstanding affiliation fees and is formally reinstated by the continental body.