AACT 2026: Technical director Fadairo assures teams of readiness

With 21 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), the tournament’s technical director, Julius Fadairo, has assured participating teams of adequate technical preparations, including the readiness of caddies to support golfers throughout the continental championship scheduled for November 2 to 7, 2026 in Abuja.

Fadairo gave the assurance following an inspection of the course at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, where he expressed satisfaction with the level of work carried out ahead of the competition.

He said the technical team was paying attention to the condition of the course and other essential requirements to ensure that golfers from across Africa compete in an environment that supports fair competition and delivers a smooth tournament experience.

The technical director also emphasised the importance of preparing caddies for their responsibilities, noting that arrangements were being made to ensure they were ready to provide the necessary assistance to participating players throughout the championship. Blueprint reports

The preparations form part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to host a successful edition of the continental women’s golf tournament, which will bring together national teams competing for one of the sport’s prestigious titles in Africa.

Course inspection signals progress in preparations

The inspection of the IBB International Golf and Country Club represents an important stage in the technical preparations for the tournament, as the organisers work towards ensuring that the playing venue is ready to accommodate golfers from different countries.

Course conditions are central to competitive golf, with the quality and consistency of the playing surface influencing how players approach shots, manage distances and navigate the challenges presented by different holes.

For a continental championship involving national teams, attention to these details is necessary to provide a suitable competitive environment for all participants.

Fadairo’s assessment that the work carried out so far was satisfactory provides an indication of progress at the Abuja venue as the countdown to the tournament continues.

However, preparations for a championship of this scale extend beyond the physical condition of the course. They also require coordination among technical officials, caddies, tournament organisers and other personnel responsible for ensuring that the competition proceeds according to schedule.

The organisers are therefore expected to maintain attention to the technical and operational details that can influence the experience of players and officials during the six-day event.

With the opening date approaching, the inspection also provides an opportunity for the technical team to identify areas requiring further attention and ensure that the venue is prepared for the demands of an international competition.

Caddies to play important role in tournament delivery

Beyond the course itself, Fadairo highlighted preparations for caddies, who provide important support to golfers during competitive play.

Caddies assist players by carrying golf bags, managing equipment and helping golfers assess course conditions. Depending on the rules and the level of assistance permitted, they may also offer advice on club selection, distances and shot strategy.

Their familiarity with the course can be particularly useful during a championship, where players must make decisions based on the layout of each hole, the position of hazards and the conditions prevailing on the day.

Proper preparation of caddies is therefore an important part of ensuring that participating golfers receive consistent support throughout the competition.

For players travelling from different parts of Africa, access to well-prepared caddies can also help them become familiar with the course and concentrate on their performance rather than the logistical demands of navigating an unfamiliar venue.

Fadairo said arrangements were being made to ensure that caddies were ready to deliver the support required, reflecting the technical team’s attention to the different elements that contribute to the successful organisation of the tournament.

Their role will complement the work of tournament officials and other personnel responsible for maintaining order, supporting players and ensuring that the championship is conducted efficiently.

The emphasis on caddie preparation also highlights the importance of human resources in sporting events, where the quality of support services can contribute significantly to the overall experience of athletes and visiting delegations.

Nigeria prepares to host AACT for third time

The 2026 edition will mark the third time Nigeria has hosted the All Africa Challenge Trophy, underlining the country’s longstanding involvement in the development of competitive golf on the continent.

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

The return of the competition to the Nigerian capital more than a decade after its last Nigerian edition presents another opportunity for the country to demonstrate its capacity to organise major international sporting events.

It also places the IBB International Golf and Country Club at the centre of preparations to welcome golfers, officials and other members of the African golfing community for the November championship.

Hosting the tournament for the third time provides continuity with Nigeria’s previous involvement while creating an opportunity to strengthen the country’s presence in the organisation and promotion of golf.

For Abuja, the event is expected to bring together participants from across Africa, placing the city in the spotlight as a destination for international sporting competitions.

The championship will also provide a platform for participating nations to assess their players against continental opposition, exchange experiences and contribute to the development of women’s golf.

While the technical preparations remain a major priority, the successful hosting of the tournament will depend on coordination across the various areas of event management, including player support, scheduling, venue operations and the overall welfare of participating teams.

Six days of continental competition in Abuja

The 2026 AACT is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club.

The six-day programme is expected to bring together women’s golf teams representing countries from across Africa, with participants competing for the continental title.

As a national team competition, the tournament provides an opportunity for countries to showcase their golfing talent and measure their progress against other nations.

The event is also significant for players seeking greater exposure to high-level competition, as continental tournaments offer opportunities to test technical ability, consistency, composure and strategic decision-making under competitive conditions.

For the host country, the competition presents an opportunity to showcase local facilities and personnel while providing Nigerian golfers with the experience of participating in a major continental event on home soil.

The tournament’s international character also places additional responsibilities on the organisers to ensure that technical standards are maintained and that teams are able to compete under appropriate conditions.

Fadairo’s assurance on course readiness and caddie preparation addresses two important aspects of those responsibilities, as the technical team works towards creating an environment in which players can focus on their performance.

Further preparations will be important as the organisers approach the final stages of readiness and work to ensure that the venue and its support services are adequately prepared for the arrival of participating teams.

Countdown gathers momentum

With 21 days remaining before the championship begins, the focus is shifting towards completing the preparations required for the successful delivery of the event.

The course inspection and the attention being given to caddie services indicate the areas receiving attention as Nigeria prepares to welcome the continent’s golfers.

For Fadairo and the technical team, the immediate task is to ensure that the playing environment and support arrangements meet the expectations of participating teams, while maintaining the standards required for a championship of this nature.

The readiness of the venue, combined with effective coordination among technical officials and support personnel, will be important to delivering a smooth competition from the opening day through to the conclusion on November 7.

Nigeria’s previous experience of hosting the AACT in Lagos in 1996 and Abuja in 2010 provides a historical backdrop to the 2026 edition, which will once again bring the continental women’s golfing community to the country.

As preparations continue, attention will remain on the IBB International Golf and Country Club, where the technical team is working to ensure that the course and caddie services are ready for the tournament.

With Africa’s golfers expected in Abuja for the six-day championship, the countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy continues.