Polo World Cup’2014 Qualifiers: Nigeria Proposes Home & Away Format for Zone D

As preparations for the Polo World Cup’2014 playoffs get underway, Nigeria has proposed a new qualifying format it hopes would revolutionize the noble game of polo within Zone D of the Federation of International Polo (FIP).

If approved, the new format, which is likely jettison its traditional format naming a single nation to host the World Cup playoffs, will see countries within Zone D hosting a series of qualifiers on Home and Away basis.

 According to the new proposal which is seen as a huge cost serving format, the eventual finalists who will represent the zone at the World Cup’2014 finals are expected to emerge at the end of the Home and Away series.

Proponents of the new format which is presently being vetted by countries within the zone, say the Home and Away qualifiers would encourage smaller polo playing nations within the zone that could not meet up with FIP hosting requirements, to be part of the playoffs.

Already, feelers from Zone D that encompasses countries in Asia, Australia and African continent, indicates that the new format which is closely being studies by FIP hierarchy, is likely to get the final approval because of its numerous value added advantages.

 Apart from building bridges of friendship as players and associations within the zone will be visiting each other and exchanging ideas and information on all aspects of the sport, all participating countries would use the opportunity to upgrade the standards of their horses and playing fields.

The new format will ensure more visibility for FIP and Zonal Officers within member countries and afford them first-hand knowledge of local challenges and better responses to finding solutions.

Those "home" players not participating in the tournament will be exposed to watching high levels of international tournaments and umpiring, just as it will encourage other countries within the zone,  to improve on their games and acquire the needed team handicap to participate in the playoffs.

The Home &Away format would guarantee some financial benefits to the hosting local associations expected from sponsorship and revenue drives as a result of the several one-day internationals (Qualifiers).

The Nigerian Polo Federation (NPF) at its Executive Committee meeting held in Abuja last month, acknowledged receipt of invitation to once again present a team for the FIP Zone D World Cup Qualifiers for the 2014 FIP World Cup billed to gallop off from September 2013 to May 2014.

To ensure adequate preparations, Nigeria is already discussing with an Australian professional, Glen Gilmore who is expected to assist in the selection of players during the Kaduna and Port Harcourt international tournaments.

In 2011, Nigeria made a ground breaking appearance at FIP Zone D qualifying tournament in Malaysia which is still receiving rave reviews across the globe.

That historic participation saw Mohammed Babangida skippered a green Nigerian side against polo super powers like Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, South Africa and host Malaysia.

The team which had Dawule Baba as the Chief Coach and Baba Kyari as Team Manager includes Bello Buba, Hamisu Buba, Ibrahim Mohammed, Baba Dawule and Abdulmalik Badamasi.  

This time around, the Francis Ogboro led NPF is eyeing the 2014 Polo World Cup final ticket as well as a gold rush at the forth coming Rio’2016 Olympics.

Nigerian Polo Federation (NPF) President, Francis Ogboro presents the Governor's Cup to Mohammed Baba of Yola Acardian in Zaria.

Top rated Bello Buba turning with the ball as he led Max Air to Royal Signal Cup victory

Katsina, Yola, Abuja Sweep Zaria’2013 Polo Titles

An epic so exciting, you could choke on the popcorn. Zaria‘2013 international polo extravaganza was undoubtedly the most riveting drama of the king of games in recent history.

From its colourful opening ceremony where a record 37 teams from across the country lined up for action, to its flourishing climax played out in front of surging crowd, it was certain that the aristocrats game of polo was truly at home in Zaria.

 After eight breathtaking days of the best of polo action in Zaria, the polo world will surely now be talking about grand event and its many legacies, with the biggest being the unforgettable resurrection of Sokoto polo to limelight.

Beamed around the world to record countries and covered by international media, the MTN powered tournament polo lived up it's billing as a truly global festival of the noble game of kings with a record 37 team participating.

Katsina Max Air defeated hard fighting Abuja Rubicon in a grudge final to retain the event’s biggest title, the Royal Signal Cup and etch their name on to the 92 year old cup.

Boosting Nigeria’s top rated striker, Bello Buba in their line-up the trio of Lawal Mangal, Umar Kabir Usman and Mohammed Seriki out paced last year’s runners-up, Abuja Rubicon, in a 7-6  neck-to-neck final that cement a sweet encore to the Katsina kings.

Katsina Sultana warriors wrote their names in gold, out pacing Bankole Foundation from Abuja in a grueling four chukkas final to win the event’s second most wanted title, the Emir of Zazzau Cup.

The Foundation guys led by the former House of Reps Speaker, Dimeji Bankole who were eyeing their second major title after winning the Emir of Katsina Cup in Kaduna last December, were failed in their bid, as the Suleiman Shema’s powered Sultana secured a narrow 41/2-4 victory in the final to win the prize.

The Long travelling Yola Acadian, keep their concentrations to the last, denying the ambitious Katsina Massanawa 41/2-4 in a tense final, to win their second Governor’s Cup title.

Guards Lukat were also part of the proud history. The Musty Junaid captain side turned their outsiders rating to glittering gold, defeating Kaduna Makblow 7-51/2 in the final, to clinch the University Cup that attracted a record 17 teams this year.

The MTN /Zaria polo extravaganza that has so richly touches lives in the past years, hit a milestone this year with the return of the Sokoto team to international lime light. After decades in doldrums the guys from the Seat of Caliphate leaped back to life in a most stunning way, thanks to Musa Maccido who bankrolled their participation and Nura Kangiwa who mounted the team throughout the fiesta.

The DSP Haruna Shagari led Caliphate side that boosted the likes of Faruk Koko, Salisu Ibrahim and Mohammed Dankaura who came out of retirement, could not make it to the final of the crowded University Cup, but finished on high as the toss of the tournament.

With royalties, business gurus, diplomats, top politicians and executive members Nigerian Polo Federation (NPF) executive members, watching as part of the colourful crowd, Zaria’2013 festival succeeded beyond expectations.

"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 Francis Ogboro, President of the Nigerian Polo Federation (NPF).

"From what we saw from both the high and the low-goal categories I think Zaria’2013 international polo tournament is a strong indication yet, that Nigerian polo has a great future. “ Ogboro added.

"There were so many good moments from both on and off the pitch, I think Zaria’2013 will set a base for the future here.  "We had many high profile guest and visitors throughout the tournament. They were very impressed by what they saw and I think we've got a really good case to make about our potential." Baba Kyari, the NPF Secretary General pointed out.

With an estimated population of almost a million, Zaria is located in northern Nigeria on a major north-south highway about 87 miles southwest of Kano. First known as Zazzau, the city was founded about 1000 years ago as one of the seven Hausa city-states. Zaria was captured by the Fulani in 1805 and by the British, under Frederick Lugard, in 1901.

Initially, an early settlement of the Hausa, Fulani, the Kanuris from the old Kanem-Bornu Empire and the Yoruba from Ogbomoso, Zaria has grown into what is now generally referred to as a cosmopolitan city and the king of sports, polo has contributed immensely to that transformation.

Abraka Turf Proprietor, Prince Albert Esiri leading his Ashbert Raiders

Ashbert Raiders, MRS Share Abraka Turf Polo’2013 Honours

As the exclusive and dazzling Abraka Turf and Country Club sprawls majestically from the bank of the mysterious Ethiope River, any reason is good enough to pay it a visit, and for those who spent their Easter holiday here this year, it was an  unforgettable weekend.

With the Abraka kingdom bathed in its traditional annual feast and Abraka Turf ‘2013 polo tournament highlighting the grand festival, it was a thrilling experience for polo enthusiasts as home side, Ashbert Raiders and visiting MRS share top honours.

Decided over three days of top class polo, the game was tied several times and never out of reach of either teams who have won major titles in this exclusive event. MRS gunning for another encore, played well to win the Patrons Cup, while Asbhert Raiders made headlines with a stunning International Gold Cup victory.

Prince Albert Esiri playing for the first time with his son, Arie, alongside Dawule Baba and Seavill, delighted huge home support and pulled off a late 8-71/2 International Gold Cup victory over MRS in a five chukka explosive final.

Ashbert Raiders skipper, Seavill heaped praises on his side after they defeated MRS in a grueling International Gold Cup final at the Abraka’2013 international polo tournament that climaxed with fanfare recently.

Having loss the Patrons’ Cup to the rampant MRS barely 12 hours ago, this final clash was closer in a humid Abraka Turf as the Raiders came from behind to win thanks to Seavill's superb penalties and field goals, a result which earned the host one of the event’s biggest prizes.

"That was a tough match, credit to MRS they made us work very hard for it. It was hectic, but the support we were getting was a real motivational factor. It was good to bounce back and giving a performance like that is great.” “For us we are going to enjoy this win tonight." Prince Esiri added.

MRS parading three debutantes, Abba Dantata, Jamilu Isiaka and Khalifa Ibrahim and their skipper Bashir Dantata, got off to a winning start as they look to extend their winning runs in the Easter fiesta, beating Ashbert 61/2-4 in the Patrons Cup opening game, thanks to great braces from Bashir, Abba and khalifa.

Host Raiders responded well in their second match, defeating MRS 8-71/2 in an enthralling Patrons Cup final match, but lose the title to the visitors on goals difference. "It is not everyday you beat a great team like Ashbert Raiders with the likes Albert Esiri, Dawule Baba and  Charles Seavill twice in the final." Dantata pointed out.

"It is a good momentum going into the season.” "You got to take every win as they come, and we can go back as a happy team and looking forward to next year.” Bashir statedt.

"We controlled the opening chukkas and let them slip. You can't concentrate for 95% of the game and let the 5% slip. It is hard to explain, but I must give kudos to the Raiders who never gave up. "Seavill, Esiri and Dawule let their experiences speak particularly in that crucial last chukka when we were 71/2-7,” he added.

  

In the low-goal title race, Ashton Wells pulled the biggest surprise of the tournament winning the Conservation Cup, dethroning Aqua Dulcis in a reverse of last year's result when Bruno Cipponeri helped Aqua Dulcis to the title with 1 41/2-4 final scores.

 Parading Osa Cookey, the debuting Boddie, Hugo and the only lady in the pack, Neku Atawodi, Ashton Wells galloped off to blistering start, winning the opening game with an impressive 4-21/2 margin against Aqua Dulcis featuring Ade Laoye, Dolapo Akinrele, Tony Isodje and Kojo Yusuf.

In the grudge final, Ashton Wells proved too strong for Aqua Dulcis as the home crowd favourrites lost 31/2-6, thus ending the reign as the Conservation Cup kings.

"It is unbelievable," said Cookey who led the Ashton Wells side. "For us we have been so unlucky in the final last year, and to come back again after that narrow lost and bounce back and give a performance like that is great.”

Chris Bethell who umpires all the games hailed the winners for their hard earned victories, and urges the losers to work hard and ensure victory next year. The United Kingdoms based professional polo umpire who is Cowdray Park polo manager, was particularly thrilled with then lushness and the firmness of the Abraka Turf Ground.

 “At Cowdray Pack, we pride ourselves with having the best polo grounds in the world, but it is truly amazing that Nigeria can boost a ground like this. From what I have seen in most of the polo grounds around, Abraka Turf field is not just the best in Nigeria, but one of the best in the world.”Bethell maintained

The resort is set on several hectres of lush cultivated tropical gardens for families, couples and individuals offering holiday accommodation in villas and apartments. Being away from the hustle and bustle of the business hubs of Nigeria, Abraka Turf and Country Club is the perfect environment to completely relax or embark on all the adventures this magnificent region has to offer.

Abraka's unique combination of location, country club atmosphere, luxury accommodation and friendly staff, will make packing your bags to leave this exotic place a great challenge. The club boasts of a breathtaking setting that is surrounded by lush tropical jungle and bordered by the beautiful River Ethiope.

Polo Debuts at Police Biennial Games'2013

History has been made as the king of games; polo makes its much awaited debut as a non scoring event at the 2013 Police Biennial Games that opens with fanfare in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Tagged Rivers’2013, the Police Games which was last staged in Lagos in 2008, was a huge success as the noble games joins other sporting events to light up the prestigious festival which is revered for its robust competitions and sportsmanship.

Thanks to personal commitment of the Inspector General of Police, M.D Abubakar, the aristocratic game that celebrated its centenary in the country some years back, was the biggest attraction of the weeklong Police sporting fiesta.

Encouraged by the success story of the IGP Strikers Polo team at the national level IGP Abubakar, who is one of the biggest benefactors of the ancient game in the country, is committed to making polo one of the scoring events at subsequence editions of the Police Biennial Games.

The decision to admit polo into the mainstream of the Police Games, is in keeping with the much cherish tradition of the Nigerian Police Force which has remain in the forefront of sports promotion both locally and internationally.

To celebrate the long awaited arrival of the king of games into the Police Games’ sporting mainstream, a special tournament was hosted by the Port Harcourt Polo Club under the auspices of the Police Games Committee, with the support of the Rivers State Governor and Nigeria Polo Federation (NPF).

The inaugural event which was also supported by, corporate firms, individuals and other states in the Niger Delta region, attracted over seven teams from major polo centres across the country, which vied for three major trophies at stake during the weeklong event.

That groundbreaking debut in the Garden City with all the big polo patrons participating was a confirmed demonstration of what to expect in the next Police Games, when polo joins other events to light up the festival as a scoring event.

President of Nigerian Polo Federation (NPF) Francis Ogboro who hailed the inclusion of polo in the Biennial Police Games, said the vision of IGP Abubakar who has been engaged on several occasions about taking polo to the next level, was in line with what  national polo authority is  aspiring to achieve.

“This is in furtherance to our resolves to identify with the efforts of the Police Force and in solidarity with our amicable IGP, MD Abubakar, a complete gentleman, an exemplary leader and a great polo supporter and promoter,” Ogboro added.

Chief Superintendent of Police, Aliyu Abubakar, who re-launched the Police team to national limelight four years ago, led the IGP Strikers to the Port Harcourt battle, while other teams featuring big names came from Kaduna, Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt, for the Police Games debut.

“Thanks to the keen interest of our Patron (The IGP), today we are all happy that polo is in the main stream of Nigerian Police Biennial Games like it did some years back at the National Sports festival. This is one of the greatest moments in my life and the biggest honour to the Nigerian Police Force and the country at large,” the elated CSP added.

CSP Abubakar who is the chairman and Captain of the Police polo team said with the debut of polo efforts are on to establish polo teams in all the twelve Police Zones across the country, with the aim of ensuring that polo would be the biggest attraction at the next edition of the Games.