Friday 29 November 2013
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.
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