Central Bank Director Rakiya Yusuf Appointed Ambassador For Nigeria’s 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy Bid

CBN Director Rakiya Yusuf pledges apex bank support and collaboration for Nigeria's hosting of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy in Abuja.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 22, 2026, 5:00 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Newsdiaryonline

Strategic Support From The Financial Sector

The bid to host the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has gained significant momentum following a formal pledge of support from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Rakiya Yusuf, the Director of the Payment System Supervision Department, accepted an ambassadorial role for the tournament during a courtesy visit by the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) on Tuesday. Yusuf emphasized that the apex bank is ready to collaborate with sporting stakeholders to project Nigeria’s capabilities to a continental audience.

The Economic And Social Impact Of Hosting

The 2026 AACT, scheduled to take place in Abuja from November 2 to November 7, is expected to host delegations from over 30 African countries. LGAN President Lami Ahmed highlighted that the tournament serves as a critical platform for promoting women's sports and strengthening Nigeria’s profile within the African golfing community. Beyond the sporting competition, the event is projected to provide a significant boost to local tourism, inspire youth participation in the sport, and showcase the country’s modern golfing infrastructure.

Apex Bank Advocacy For Collaboration

During the delegation's visit, Yusuf highlighted that the current CBN administration remains a strong advocate for multi-sectoral collaboration. She noted that the progress seen in monetary policy and the ease of doing business over the last two years provides a solid foundation for supporting international events. To further this partnership, Yusuf pledged to facilitate a high-level meeting between the LGAN leadership and the CBN Governor to discuss formal support mechanisms for the championship.