AACT 2026: Nigeria Face Uphill Task After Fifth-Place Day One Finish

Posted : 06 November 2026

Nigeria face an uphill task in their quest for continental glory at the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), after finishing fifth following the opening round at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

The hosts returned a combined 166 strokes on Day 1, trailing early leaders South Africa by 12 strokes as the competition entered its second round.

South Africa set the pace with 154 strokes, while Kenya occupied second position with 158 strokes. Tanzania followed in third place with 160 strokes.

Uganda finished fourth with 163 strokes, three ahead of Nigeria, while Zambia occupied sixth position with 167 strokes.

Botswana returned 170 strokes to place seventh, followed by Ghana with 172 strokes. Zimbabwe and Tunisia completed the top 10 with 174 and 176 strokes, respectively.

In the individual competition, South Africa's Isabella Ferreira emerged as the early leader after finishing four strokes over par (+4).

Ferreira expressed satisfaction with her opening-round display, noting that concentration and patience would remain crucial as the championship progresses.

“I’m happy with how I started the championship. The course demands concentration and patience, and I will continue to take each hole as it comes,” she said.

Kenya's Kanana Muthomi occupied second position with five strokes over par (+5), while Uganda's Keisha Kagoro and South Africa's Lourenda Steyn shared third place on six strokes over par (+6).

Kagoro said she was encouraged by her performance but remained determined to improve in the remaining rounds.

“It is encouraging to begin the championship this way. I know the competition is strong, but I will stay focused, trust my game and work towards an even better performance,” she said.

Botswana's Loapi Chokwe finished fifth with seven strokes over par (+7), while Tanzania's Neema Olomi and Madina Iddy were tied on eight strokes over par (+8).

Kenya's Bianca Ngecu and Kellie Gachaga returned nine strokes over par (+9) apiece, while Nigeria's Juliana Ehinomhen finished among the leading 10 players with 10 strokes over par (+10), sharing 10th position.

The championship features 20 countries competing over three rounds of 18 holes, making a total of 54 holes.

Nigeria will be hoping to capitalise on home advantage and improve their position in the remaining rounds as the battle for the continental title intensifies.

The 2026 AACT, declared open on Tuesday by Nigeria's First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, is expected to conclude on Friday.

AACT 2026: Nigeria Face Uphill Task After Fifth-Place Day One Finish

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics