Abraka Turf Polo Marks 20th Anniversary with Pomp

There was no overhead fly over by a jumbo jet but excitements were running high at the magnificent Abraka Turf & Country Club in Oria last weekend and the skies were blue – just as they were 20 years ago to this day when the first edition of Easter international polo tournament was inaugurated.

“It is fantastic to see everyone again, on the field where it all happened,” said the proprietor, Albert Esiri who spearheads the private polo culture in the country with his Abraka turf vision way back mid 1990s.

Twenty years on, the turf has truly come of age and to mark that milestone, some the best polo patrons, the games’ big names and a visiting team from Egypt converge at the tranquil turf for the anniversary tournament.

“To be honest, up until a few days ago, I hadn’t thought about it (the anniversary) a lot as we all have busy lives. But being here weekend and linking the people around you to the moment … the memories have all come flooding back,” declares Esiri.

“Looking back to the inaugural tournament, it was fantastic. After two decades of high profile tournaments here, the passion and excitement is much stronger and louder. For us this is a special one and anniversary, a big event.”

Another successful Abraka polo tournament and the anniversary edition ended with pomp, with Ashbert, Ashton Wells, Egyptian Police Team and Abraka Guards teams crowned champions in the respective prizes.

The 20th edition of the  fiesta lived up to its much anticipated  billing and left in its trail legacies that highlight the three days of tempestuous excitement on and off the pitch.

From the very first match to the final game at the foremost Abraka Turf Ground, drama filled the air. The teams showcase their awesome skills to add to their speedy efficiency and the crowd was there to cheer every moment of the tournament.

Ashbert Raiders patron, Albert Esiri was pleased with the contributions made by all of the players throughout the tournament that saw the Ashbert carting home two of the four major titles at stake, the Patrons Cup and the Ashton Wells Trophy.

Spurred on by their teeming supporters, the home side, orchestrated superbly by Albert Esiri, Folarin Kuku, Mohammed Wayd and Jamilu Mohammed took to a blistering start, out pacing the quartet of Ari Esiri, Hon. Habeeb Fashinro, Bello Buba and Sa’ad in Abraka Turf colours, to the Patrons Cup.

Re enforced with Ali Birjawi, Ashton Wells  loaded with by Kayode Awogboro, Ahmed Diaa and Ali Kashef tested their mettle in the Conservation Cup final, coming back from 1-3 , to win 8-4 against Aqua Dulcis, in a sensational display of top class polo.

Abraka Guards parading Usman Dantata, Hon. Habeeb Fashinro, Kayode Awogboro and Ali Birjawi had a point to prove in the International Gold Cup final against the Police team from Cairo, having watch from the sideline as other teams win major prizes in first two days of the tournament.

The visiting Egyptians who were playing their first tournament on the Abraka Turf provided a surprising and stern opposition with their trademark regimented polo, in the all-important final match.

With the clash ending with four goals apiece after sudden death chukka, both teams were declared winners on the consent of the players and in the spirit of the anniversary.

Tony Isodje, Michael Ogolo, Tayo Awogboro, Abdul Uthman, Sadiq Dantata, Sayyi Dantata and Marwan Mustafa from Cairo, all shares honours in the Exhibition Cup series decided in honour of the Abraka Turf patrons whose contributions were celebrated.

The Ovie of Umiaghwa Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, AVM Lucky Ochuko Ararile (rtd.) who was the Special Guest of Honour and Mrs. Esiri were on hand to present the prizes to the winners and the runners up at a colourful closing ceremony preceded by fireworks and traditional dances.

“Let me on behalf of the Umiaghwa Kingdom and all the entire people of Delta State, thank Prince Albert Esiri for his visionary effort at putting up this world class facility that has for the past decade been positively projecting the image of the state and the region internationally,” the royal father declared his closing remarks.