Katsina’2016 Polo: Titan, Evergreen,Dattaku, Shabbazz Finish Tops

2016MTN/Katsina International Polo Tournament will be remembered for thrilling games and the incredible passion of the players and the teeming polo buffs from across the country and beyond, who throng the event in their droves to bath in the excitement of the season opening polo extravaganza.

After eight days of top class polo, the MTN powered tournament climaxed on high with teams from Kaduna,Kano and host Katsina carting home carting home the four major titles at stake in what  was undoubtedly, one of the biggest and most competitive international polo events ever staged in the ancient Katsina kingdom.

Katsina international polo tournament has over the decades been the centre stage for some of Nigerian polo biggest stars – from Dawule Baba, Bello and Hamisu Buba, Jamilu Mohammed, the princes from the Katsina royal house and many in between.

 The just concluded event also added to this rich list of top performers. Prince Aminu Abdulmumuni joins the exclusive list after top striking for Katsina Peace Air  in the rae for Hassan Katsina  Cup.

With a crowded field 32 teams from all the major polo centres across the country vying top honours the Kataina’2016 polo festival was destined for a photo finish and the tournament demonstrated the tremendous balance in the game with Yola, Bauchi Port Harourt  teams finishing third, fourth and fifth respectively.

Expectedly, Katsina Polo’2016 rumble showcase the best of Nigerian polo and at the end of a weeklong fiesta, visiting Kano Titans edged former champions, Katsina Max Air in a closely fought final game, to win the event’s biggest prize, the Nigerian Cup.

 The battle for the medium-goal General Hassan Katsina that pitted three equally matched teams was won by the rampaging Kano Bagauda team that outpaced the hard fighting Bauchi Dokaji in an impressive campaign. Host Katsina gave their fans plenty to celebrate for as Katsina Evergreen team defeated Zaria Zaz Project to clinch the Coommassie Cup.

 Kaduna contingent also made the podium with the Talba Cup triumph, thanks to Kaduna Dattaku who stopped Kano Susplan victory run in a tense final, just Port Harcourt Polo Shabbazz earned a morale boosting runners-up finish in the race for the crowded low-goal title that attracted a 15 teams.

 “We are particularly indebted to our numerous sponsors and partners like MTN and others for their unflinching supports that ensure the successful hosting of this prestigious polo tournament,” NPF President, Francis Ogboro, declared in his closing remarks.

“Their readiness to continue sponsoring our tournament for almost a decade, has become a source of inspiration in promoting sporting activities and economic development in the various states,” Ogboro concluded.