Nigeria finished fourth at the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), as Kenya’s 13-year-old golfer, Kanana Muthomi, clinched the individual title.
South Africa also reclaimed the team championship at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
Muthomi, popularly known as Nana, returned rounds of 77, 77 and 75 to finish on 13-over-par, six strokes ahead of South Africa’s Isabella Ferreira, who placed second on 19-over-par. Another South African, Charlotte Millard, finished third on 23-over-par.
Speaking after her victory, Muthomi described the achievement as special, saying it meant a lot to represent her country and herself.
According to her, she remained focused on her game despite knowing she had taken the lead after the second round.
“I knew I was leading after the second round, but I did not know by how much. When I was told about the final round, I simply told myself to play my game,” she said.
Muthomi also praised her teammates, noting that Kenya arrived in Abuja determined to challenge South Africa’s longstanding dominance of the competition.
In the team event, South Africa reclaimed the continental title with 464 strokes, finishing six ahead of Kenya, which recorded 470. Tanzania placed third with 479, while hosts Nigeria finished fourth with 500 strokes.
Nigeria’s performance placed the country ahead of 15 other participating nations in the five-day competition.
South Africa’s victory restored its dominance after losing the title to Morocco in the 2024 edition, taking its record championship haul to 15.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s Bianca Ngecu won the AACT Junior Trophy after defeating her South African opponent in a closely contested playoff that extended to the fourth extra hole.
President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), Dr Lami Ahmed, described the competition as a successful hosting experience and expressed appreciation to African golfing authorities, participating countries, sponsors and officials.
She also acknowledged the support of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whose acceptance to serve as patron of the championship helped raise the tournament’s profile.
Outgoing AACT President, Madam Cécile Poncet, commended Nigeria for successfully hosting the competition, describing it as an important platform for developing women’s golf and showcasing emerging talent across Africa.
AACT Trustee for West and Central Africa, Ekanem Ekwueme, called for sustained investment in grassroots development, coaching, junior competitions and sporting facilities to strengthen the future of women’s golf on the continent.
The five-day championship, which attracted 19 African countries, ended on Friday with a closing ceremony and dinner at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Conference Centre in Abuja.
By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
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