The MTN/Lagos International Polo Tournament
represents the pinnacle of the noble sport in Nigeria. Only the finest players
get the chance to strut their stuff in such a rarefied atmosphere, where their
every move could be the difference between defeat and victory.
Highly revered as the stage for greatness and what
great moment is was, for Fifth Chukker/Ironclad who out class all comers to win
the MTN/Lagos’2014 International Polo Tournament in a convincing fashion.
Powered by polo supremo, Adamu Atta and the emerging
golden Boy of Lagos polo, Obafemi Otudeko, Fifth Chukker/Ironclad produced a
stunning performance to upset crowd favourites, Auden/ Delany 15-12 and claim
the coveted Majekodunmi Cup title.
Their Argentine playmakers Ezekiel Martinez and put
in sparkling performances for the champions, combining brilliantly with Atta
and Otudeko to inspire the team to victory.
Beamed around the world via international
broadcasters, the 2014 edition of the MTN/Lagos polo festival lived up to the
tournament's billing as a truly global festival of the game of kings that
enriches lives in so many ways.
With the level of play reaching new heights, there
were upsets aplenty and biggest upset of the MTN/Lagos’2014 undoubtedly came
from the eventual champions, who flew past title holders, Auden/Delany, Kano
Titans, and debutants, Keffi Ponies in one lightening swoop of top class polo.
The biggest indication yet that Atta and Otudeko,
both household names in the annals of the Lagos polo festival, were in town for
serious business, was delivered in the 11-5 drubbing of the visiting Keffi Ponies to win the
Governor Fashola Cup.
Before second stage grand finale, Atta has
distinguished himself as the biggest winner of prestigious Lagos polo festival,
carting home a record four major titles, in ten days of high class display of
latent and horse power.
"We haven't had this feeling for a while now,
it's three years since we last won the Majek, so this is well deserved,"
said Atta. "We knew it would be tough. They deserve to be there, they
played hard and we knew they would come out firing for us. We had a bit of a
hard start, but we got there in the end,” he added.
"We put all the hard work and every win gives
you more confidence and hopefully we can build on this to use as a platform for
the rest of the season. "The team
must enjoy every moment of this win."
Otudeko who was celebrating his first ever Majekodunmi Cup title added.
Revered for its robust competition, the MTN powered
Lagos’2014 international fiesta, lived its upsetting billings, as Lagos Unity
team turned their rookies rating to glittering gold, defeating top favorites,
Kano Triple K for their first ever Lagos Dansa Cup title.
The first stage of the glamorous event ended on high
for host Lagos as Lagos Fifth Chukker made good their pre tournament rating,
carting home the Lagos Open and the Oba of Lagos cup respectively.
Whatever hopes Kano contingent had of repeating
their last year’s sweeping victory, was jettison by Lagos Ark/ Goodfellows that
defeated Kano Susplan to win the Dansa Cup and put hosts Lagos firmly in
driving seat.
The clean sweep of all the four major titles by Lagos
teams, capped a glorious outing for the hosts that runners-up last year. The
elated Lagos Polo Club captain Musty Fashinro who attributed the Lagos success
of to hard work and determination. He however commended the Kano and Ibadan
teams for giving Lagos teams a good run for their money.
"We were just too determined not to allow all
the titles carted away by visiting teams, while we played catching up,” he
pointed out.
"It was an absolutely outstanding tournament,
both on and off the field. We saw so many upsets and so many unexpectedly good
performances it was just outstandingly competitive," said MTN Sponsorship
Manager, Dola Bamboye.
Bamgboye, who assured polo enthusiasts to expect
more enjoyable and exciting tournaments with MTN polo events across the
country, pointed out that MTN has through sports polo and sponsorships, been
able to satisfy its numerous subscribers with its cutting edge and innovative
services.
“We listen to our customers and we ensure that we
give them the best service tailored to meet their lifestyle and we will
continue making them happy through polo and sports generally,” Bamgboye stated.
Lagos Polo Tournament Manager, Bode Makanjuola
described the event as the most exciting in years, salute the players and the
teeming Lagos supporters for Lagos teams
to victory in all the four major titles that were at stake during the glamorous
fiesta that featured teams from major polo centres across the country.
“We are particularly indebted tour numerous sponsors
like MTN Communication, GT Bank Dansa Cup and a host of others for their
unflinching support which ensures the successful hosting of this international
polo tournament,” Makanjuola added.
Revered for its robust competition and unparallel
excitements, the glamorous MTN Lagos international fiesta, lived its
traditional billings both on and off the pitch with the evenings always warm
and full of fun.
Both
international and local arts with hip hop crooners like, Banky W, Whiz Kid,
Olumide, Naeto C, Kceey, Chidinma and others were on hand to thrill the
discerning crowd that throng the foremost Ribadu polo theatre on a daily basis.
The grand finale of the polo festival was watched by
a discerning crowd that included top corporate world chieftains, the Argentine
Ambassador, former Chairman of Nigerian Polo Association, (NPA) Alhaji Umaru
Shinkafi and thousands of polo buffs.
The glamorous Lagos’2014 polo extravaganza will
continue to linger memories as teams in their quests for glory campaign in the
most absurd manner possible and in the end, they' all gave the noble game of
kings what it has sought for the longest time,
something truly classic.
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