Nigeria’s most successful high-goal polo team, EL-Amin sent out a
Georgian Cup warning to their rivals after a ruthless display of finishing
saw them retain the high stake IBB Cup
title at the expense of arch
rivals, Kaduna Kakuri at the Minna 2016 polo tournament
EL-Amin defeated Kakuri in a thrilling final at the foremost
IBB Sports Complex venue of the prestigious annual polo festival, to claim
their 16th IBB Cup crown and head into other tournaments in the national tour
full of confidence.
Just as the physical Kakuri
appeared to have taken control of the contest, the reigning champions
who were not prepared to take prisoners
and risk their treasured
title, came storming back with
three quick fires from the “Big Chairman” Mohammed Babangida, Bello
Buba, Ibrahim Mohammed and Aminu
Alhaji that saw them reclaim the
initiative and pull clear.
Babangida was understandably delighted with EL-Amin’s first major
win this year against their great rival, which sets them up nicely for a
possible Georgian Cup curtain-raiser against Kakuri at the Kaduna international
polo tournament holding at the legendary Murtala Mohammed in November.
“The IBB Cup and Minna annual tournament is a major part of
our build up towards other high goal tournaments and to win the event’s biggest
prize and General Abdulsalami Cup as well, before our teeming supporters who
travel from across the country to cheer us, is a major plus,” Babangida said.
“We will now go back home and savour this victory, ther after
it will be back in camp to focus on our
future tournaments. We know that it is not going to be easy but we have the
chemistry and what it takes to come out clears.”
“I feel great to
realize how much joy one’s effort has positively impacted the lives of the
teeming polo enthusiasts across the country and Minna in particular. Their support
and believe in EL-Amin has always been the driving force and I want to dedicate
these victories to our teeming fans,” Babangida declared.
As the festival climax with pomp, it was not too surprising
that at the end of the competition that threw up plenty of anxious moments, the
prizes were evenly shared by the big four, with Kaduna EL-Amin smiling home with
the juiciest part of the pie.
Minna Air Peace won their first Governor’s Cup, while Katsina
Danmarina got their wish, defeating a determined field to clinch the General
Hassan Cup. Michael Ogolo led Port
Harcourt Octopus Clan carted home a
royal polo crown, the coveted Emir of Minna cup
Governors Bindo, Bello and , Nigerian Polo Federation
(NPF) President, Francis Ogboro were led
by HRH Highness, the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Farouk Bahago, to give out prizes to the winners at the colourful
closing ceremony.
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