Olomi leads TZ’s charge in Abuja
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA’S Neema Olomi made an impressive start at the Nigeria Ladies Open 2026, carding two-over-par 74 to lead the country’s challenge at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja.
Olomi topped Monday’s openinground leaderboard, ahead of compatriot Madina Iddi, who returned four-overpar 76 to occupy second position, while Ghana’s Afi Amezedo carded 77 to finish third.
Tanzania’s Hawa Wanyeche was fourth with 79.
Tanzania’s strong showing continued through Aalaa Somji and Ayne Magombe, who both carded nine-over-par 81 to share fifth position.
The performance placed five Tanzanian golfers among the top six, underlining the country’s growing strength in women’s golf following its impressive third-place finish at the recently concluded All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT).
Loveness Mungure added to Tanzania’s impressive presence on the leaderboard, carding 84 to share eighth position with Nigeria’s Ehinonmhen Igbinadolor, giving the country five representatives in the opening-round top 10.
Speaking after her round, Olomi attributed her strong performance to composure, course familiarity and lessons learnt from previous competitions.
“Today’s (Monday) game went well because I remained calm and had already familiarised myself with the course during the practice sessions and the AACT.
“My focus was on correcting previous mistakes and ensuring they were not repeated.
The weather here is extremely hot, and I was unwell on the second day during the AACT. However, I am now feeling much better and ready to continue the fight,” she said.
Meanwhile, national team captain Iddi highlighted the difference between competing individually and representing the country in a team championship and said: “I think the pressure of representing your country is different from the pressure of competing as an individual.”
Zimbabwe’s Tracey Humbira returned 82 to occupy seventh position, while Nigeria’s Igbinadolor shared eighth place with Mungure on 84.
The tournament has attracted more than 110 golfers from across Africa, providing another important competitive platform for Tanzania’s women golfers following their recent continental assignment in Abuja.
Tanzania’s delegation also includes Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU) president Timea Chogo, who carded 106, reflecting the union’s presence and continued support for the development of women’s golf.
The opening round has highlighted Tanzania’s competitive depth, with several players well placed to challenge for individual honours as the threeday World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) championship, 54-hole tournament concludes today.
