Pictures of Nigerian team at FIP Zone D Polo World Cup playoffs in Malaysia

Polo World Cup’2014 Qualifiers: Nigeria Proposes Home & Away Format for Zone D

As preparations for the Polo World Cup’2014 playoffs get underway, Nigeria has proposed a new qualifying format it hopes would revolutionize the noble game of polo within Zone D of the Federation of International Polo (FIP).

If approved, the new format, which is likely jettison its traditional format naming a single nation to host the World Cup playoffs, will see countries within Zone D hosting a series of qualifiers on Home and Away basis.

 According to the new proposal which is seen as a huge cost serving format, the eventual finalists who will represent the zone at the World Cup’2014 finals are expected to emerge at the end of the Home and Away series.

Proponents of the new format which is presently being vetted by countries within the zone, say the Home and Away qualifiers would encourage smaller polo playing nations within the zone that could not meet up with FIP hosting requirements, to be part of the playoffs.

Already, feelers from Zone D that encompasses countries in Asia, Australia and African continent, indicates that the new format which is closely being studies by FIP hierarchy, is likely to get the final approval because of its numerous value added advantages.

 Apart from building bridges of friendship as players and associations within the zone will be visiting each other and exchanging ideas and information on all aspects of the sport, all participating countries would use the opportunity to upgrade the standards of their horses and playing fields.

The new format will ensure more visibility for FIP and Zonal Officers within member countries and afford them first-hand knowledge of local challenges and better responses to finding solutions.

Those "home" players not participating in the tournament will be exposed to watching high levels of international tournaments and umpiring, just as it will encourage other countries within the zone,  to improve on their games and acquire the needed team handicap to participate in the playoffs.

The Home &Away format would guarantee some financial benefits to the hosting local associations expected from sponsorship and revenue drives as a result of the several one-day internationals (Qualifiers).

The Nigerian Polo Federation (NPF) at its Executive Committee meeting held in Abuja last month, acknowledged receipt of invitation to once again present a team for the FIP Zone D World Cup Qualifiers for the 2014 FIP World Cup billed to gallop off from September 2013 to May 2014.

To ensure adequate preparations, Nigeria is already discussing with an Australian professional, Glen Gilmore who is expected to assist in the selection of players during the Kaduna and Port Harcourt international tournaments.

In 2011, Nigeria made a ground breaking appearance at FIP Zone D qualifying tournament in Malaysia which is still receiving rave reviews across the globe.

That historic participation saw Mohammed Babangida skippered a green Nigerian side against polo super powers like Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, South Africa and host Malaysia.

The team which had Dawule Baba as the Chief Coach and Baba Kyari as Team Manager includes Bello Buba, Hamisu Buba, Ibrahim Mohammed, Baba Dawule and Abdulmalik Badamasi.  

This time around, the Francis Ogboro led NPF is eyeing the 2014 Polo World Cup final ticket as well as a gold rush at the forth coming Rio’2016 Olympics.