Nigeria loses Hosting Rights to All Africa Challenge Trophy after Golf Federation suspension

Nigeria loses Hosting Rights to All Africa Challenge Trophy after Golf Federation suspension

Nigeria's dream of hosting the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has suffered a major setback following the suspension of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) by the Africa Golf Confederation (AGC) over unpaid statutory affiliation fees, throwing the country's golf administration into crisis.

The prestigious women's amateur golf championship was scheduled to hold from November 2 to 7, 2026, at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, with the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) leading local preparations on behalf of the Nigeria.

In a suspension letter dated July 17, 2026, addressed to the President of the Nigeria Golf Federation Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, the AGC said the federation failed to settle its outstanding affiliation fees despite a 30-day grace period and a final reminder. The continental body said the federation neither responded to its correspondence nor submitted any proposal to settle the debt before invoking its constitutional provisions to suspend Nigeria with immediate effect.

The suspension strips Nigeria of all AGC membership privileges, bars Nigerian golfers from participating in AGC-sanctioned championships and prevents other member federations from participating in tournaments organised by the NGF. The decision also means Nigeria can no longer host the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy, denying the country the opportunity to stage one of Africa's biggest women's amateur golf events.

As President of the Nigeria Golf Federation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe has overall responsibility for the administration of the federation, including ensuring that statutory obligations to continental bodies are fulfilled. The AGC's action has therefore intensified scrutiny of the federation's leadership and administrative oversight following the loss of hosting rights for a major continental championship.

The development also contrasts with the reform agenda of the National Sports Commission (NSC) under Chairman Malam Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade, which has consistently emphasised transparency, accountability and quality leadership across Nigeria's sports federations to safeguard the country's international reputation.

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