Neema Olomi has taken the early lead at the Nigeria Ladies Open Championship 2026. The Tanzanian golfer carded a two-over-par 74 in the opening round. The event holds at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja. She tops the individual stroke-play leaderboard. She finished two strokes clear of her closest challenger.
The Nigeria Ladies Open is one of the few elite women’s golf tournaments on the continent. It has grown steadily over the past decade. Nigerian women’s golf remains underfunded, with limited access to courses, coaching and competition. The tournament brings in players from across Africa, raising the standard and exposing local golfers to international competition. It is also a scouting platform for regional tours.
Madina Hussein, also of Tanzania, sits second after a four-over-par 76. Afla Mezedo is third with a five-over-par 77. Hawa Wanyeche is fourth on seven-over-par 79. Aalaa Somji and Ayne Magombe share fifth after nine-over-par 81 each. Tracey Humbira is seventh with 82. Ehinonmen Igbinadolor and Loveness Mungure share eighth on 84. Diana Osmond and Susan Marcus complete the top ten at 13-over-par 85.
Olomi said the round was encouraging. “The course demands concentration, patience and consistency, and I tried to remain focused throughout my round,” she said. She noted that two rounds remain. “My priority is to maintain my composure, improve where necessary and give my best in the remaining rounds.”
The championship features three rounds of 18-hole stroke play. Players will complete 54 holes before final standings. No fewer than 100 golfers entered. The tournament teed off on Saturday and ends on Tuesday. The remaining rounds are expected to shift the leaderboard.
Winners: Olomi, who leads. Hussein, who kept pace. The organisers, who drew a strong field. Women’s golf in Nigeria, which gains visibility. Local players, who gain exposure. Losers: Players who started slowly. The local field, which trails the Tanzanian contingent. The sport’s funding, which remains thin.
Bottom Line: Olomi leads after round one. Tanzania dominates the top of the leaderboard. Two rounds remain. The Nigerian field has ground to make up. The tournament is growing. The sponsorship is not.