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With nine days to the commencement of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Chairperson of the Visa, Airport Reception and Protocol Committee, Zulaiha Babagirei-Ahmad, has assured participating countries of smooth visa processing and a warm reception as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the continental women’s golf championship.
Babagirei-Ahmad said arrangements for receiving golfers, team officials and other delegates were progressing smoothly, expressing confidence that the committee would deliver an efficient arrival and hospitality experience for visitors expected in Abuja. Blueprint reports
She said the committee was working with relevant agencies and stakeholders to coordinate visa processing, airport reception and protocol services ahead of the tournament, which is expected to attract participants from about 30 African countries.
According to her, the objective is to ensure that visitors encounter minimal difficulties on arrival and receive the necessary support throughout their stay in Nigeria.
Babagirei-Ahmad added that the committee was committed to providing a welcoming environment that would reflect Nigeria’s hospitality and strengthen the spirit of African unity that the championship represents.
She noted that the tournament offered Nigeria an opportunity to showcase its capacity to host international sporting events while promoting friendship and cooperation among African nations.
The 2026 AACT is scheduled to hold from November 2 to 7, 2026 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja, under the theme, “Uniting Africa through the Greens.”
Nigeria prepares to welcome Africa
With about 30 African countries expected at the championship, the Visa, Airport Reception and Protocol Committee has a key responsibility in ensuring that participants and other visitors experience a smooth arrival process.
The committee’s preparations cover visa-related arrangements, airport reception and protocol support, with coordination among relevant institutions expected to facilitate the movement of delegates into the country.
Babagirei-Ahmad said the committee was not only concerned with ensuring that visitors arrive without unnecessary difficulties but also with making them feel welcome from the moment they enter Nigeria.
She expressed confidence that the arrangements would contribute to a positive experience for participating golfers, officials and other guests, while helping to create an atmosphere conducive to competition and interaction.
The championship is also expected to provide opportunities for delegates from different countries to engage with one another, build relationships and strengthen the bonds that unite African sporting communities.
For Nigeria, a successful hosting experience would demonstrate the country’s hospitality and organisational capacity, while giving international visitors an opportunity to experience Abuja and its sporting facilities.
Third time Nigeria will host championship
The 2026 edition will mark the third time Nigeria has hosted the All Africa Challenge Trophy.
The country previously hosted the championship in 1996 at Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos and in 2010 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja.
The return of the competition to Nigeria further places the country at the centre of preparations for one of Africa’s major team competitions in women’s golf.
The six-day championship, scheduled for November 2 to 7, will bring together players representing their respective countries in a contest that combines sporting excellence with continental camaraderie.
The event’s slogan, “Uniting Africa through the Greens,” reflects the role of golf in bringing athletes and officials from different backgrounds together through competition and shared sporting values.
As preparations enter their final phase, the committee’s assurance on visa processing and reception is intended to reinforce confidence among participating countries and delegates making arrangements to travel to Nigeria.
With nine days remaining before the championship begins, Babagirei-Ahmad said her committee was prepared to contribute to a smooth and memorable experience for visitors.
As Africa prepares to converge on Abuja, the organisers are working towards a championship that will not only showcase women’s golfing talent but also promote hospitality, friendship and unity across the continent.
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