Friday, 29 November 2013

Chief Host and Grand patron of Yola Polo Club, His Royal Highness, The Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammadu Barkindo Musdafa (M) pose with Yola Fombina players after the Prize Presentation ceremony. From left, Mohammed Baba, Caesar Polledo, Asharaf Yahaya and Aliyu Dahiru


Lamido, Argentine Pros Take Yola Polo to Next Level




The just concluded Yola International Polo Tournament which to a colourful climax recently in Yola, truly lived up to exciting tradition both on and off the lush green of the legendary Aliyu Musdafa Polo Ground, its traditional home for over 80 years.
Take the participation of Argentine professionals, a record team entries, the race for the Lamido Cup, and the superb performances by Abuja, Kaduna and Port Harcourt teams who carted home the major trophies, then you would see why the prestigious event was truly grand.
Last year, the Chief Host, His Royal Highness, The Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammadu Barkindo Musdafa had pledged to transform the noble game of kings in his kingdom and upgrade the annual Yola polo tournament to a grade A event that would rivals its contemporaries in Lagos, Kaduna, Kano and Katsina.
This year he did just that, flying in two thorough breed Argentine professionals, Ceasar Polledo and Diego Ocampo both four goals players, to pivot Yola Yelwa and Yola Fombina in their campaign for the Governor’s Cup and the Lamido Cup respectively.
As the first set of foreigners to participate in the tournament since its inauguration in the early 1930s, their arrival did not only headline the prestigious event, it truly gives the grand festival its much touted international flavour and colour.
At the end of eight days of cutting edge competition and unparallel excitements, the high profile polo festival which came to a colourful climax in the ancient city of Yola, with Abuja Rubicon,  Kaduna Kawo, Octopus Clan from Port Harcourt and Kaduna Malali carting home the four main prizes.
Pivoted by top rated Jamilu Mohammed, the trio of Idris Badamasi, Malik Badamasi and Lado Aliyu who stood in for their patron, Senator Hadi Sirika, Rubicon their arch rivals, Yola Yelwa 7-5 in a hotly contested final win the event’s biggest prize, the Governor’s Cup.