Kano Polo’2016: Fifth Chukker, Keffi Ponys Share Top Honours

Adamu Atta and Honourable Aliyu Wadada etched their names in history as their fifth Chukker and Keffi Pony teams pulled off every stop to clinch the Emir of Kano Cup and the MTN Cup respectively at the 2016 international polo tournament which came to a colourful climax in Kano.

The Kaduna and the Keffi based polo lords sneaked into the Usman Dantata Polo Ground for the prestigious MTN carnival with an intimidating horse power, fortified with foreign professionals, with one priority, to win.

Back by their travelling fans, the Fifth Chukker hit their stride in a mission to retain the Emir of Kano Cup, the biggest title at stake and they did not disappoint as Atta marshaled his players in a six chukkas closely fought encounter, defeating Keffi Pony 8-7 to retain their much cherished Emir’s cup for the second year running.

Their attempt to add the glittering MTN Cup to their prize haul ran into the rough as Wadada and his Keffi Ponys rallied to their first major polo title in Kano, holding the champions 6-6 in a tense final clash to emerge proud MTN Cup winners on toss.

There were excitement all round the magnificent polo arena and by the end the ten days extravaganza the Golden Boy of Kano polo, Tajudeen Dantata and his Titans join the podium, , thanks to their 51/2- 4 win over Kaduna Amana side in the explosive Dangote Cup final.

Earlier, Sadiq Wali and Usman Abdulrashid had led their selected teams to victories, clinching the Sir Muhhamadu Sanusi Cup and the Governor’s Cup in the subsidiary cup finals that preceded the MTN Cup final that drew the curtain on the glamorous polo festival watched by a discerning VIPs that include Emirs, politicians, diplomats and thousand of polo buffs.

Few polo clubs campaign for honours quite as loudly as Abuja Guards and Ibadan polo clubs does, dominating and sweeping high stakes in the first stage of the tournament. There were plenty of admirations for the way their representatives, Abuja Rubicon and Ibadan Jericho and Ibadan Mapo held themselves, wining the Dantata and the MRS respectively.

Ibadan Polo captain, Koyin Owoeye added a special for himself pivoting a selected side to win the glittering General Hassan Cup to their victory haul.

Revered as the most prestigious polo event in the centre of commerce in the northern part of the country, the Kano polo tournament has continue to grow by leaps, attracting the biggest teams from across the country and the 2016 edition  was no exception.