Minna’2016 Polo: EL-Amin Cements IBB Cup Dominance

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.

Rubicon Edge out Trademark @ Unity Polo’2016 Final

Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika, Minister of Defence, General Dan Ali and former governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Lawal Kaita were among the high profile dignitaries who the Unity Polo Tournament’2016 that climaxed  with Abuja Rubicon emerging the top winners.

Unity polo tournament has for the past seven years been hosted by Guards Polo Club to mark the return of democracy in the country in 1999.

 “This edition was undoubtedly one of the most exciting in the series and we must give credit to the organizers, sponsors and partners like MTN whose support to the tournament ensure the successes of the tournament that has grown to become the biggest polo event in Abuja,” Senator Sirika declares.

Expectedly, MTN Unity Polo’2016 rumble that was in its seventh edition showcase the best of Nigerian polo and at the end of a weeklong fiesta, Defending champions, Rubicon, edged Trade Mark 6 – 4 1/2in a closely fought final game, to retain the President’s Cup .

The battle for the medium-goal Guards Brigade Trophy that pitted eight equally matched teams was won by the rampaging Almat Group team that scored a record 26 goal in an impressive campaign, leaving the hard fidgeting Dattaku side to settle for a runner-up finish.

It was an all local derby affairs in the low-goal Guards Challenge Cup with four Abuja based teams jostling in a round robin format that ended with DY Farms team and Alhusna Travels side finishing winners and runners-up respectively.

“We are particularly indebted to our numerous sponsors and partners l for their unflinching supports that ensure the successful hosting of this prestigious polo tournament,” Abuja Guard Polo Club Chairman, Senator Jubril said in his closing remarks.

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.

Ibadan Polo’2016 Polo: Lead City Group, Kano, Lagos Share Top Honours

Ancient city of Ibadan in Oyo, celebrated one of its grandest moments, hosting the prestigious Ibadan’2016 Polo Tournament, which came to colourful climax recently with host Ibadan, visiting Lagos and Kano sweeping the stakes.

Just as Lagos snapped off a five jinx of playing second fiddle with a big win, Kano were only able to manage a solitary title, a dramatic departure from their show of supremacy in Ibadan.

Expectedly, Ibadan’2016 rumble will be fondly remembered by the home fans for gifting them their once lost Ibadan Cup. After an exciting week of intensive polo campaign, the Ibadan polo lords were the best for it, winning the event biggest prize, the Ibadan Cup.

With Nigeria’s World Cup star and tournament MVP award winner, Hamisu Buba pivoting Ibadan Lead City Group, the trio of Edozie Onwuli, Ahmed Umar and Ibadan polo skipper, Koyin Owoeye proved that determination and concentration are keys to successes.

They stared with a spark, defeating pre tournament favourites, Kano Susplan in their opening game and put out Lagos Caverton boosting Glory Ebano, Abdulmumini Musa, Murtala Dantala and patron, Rotimi Majankuela in a tense final match that ended 6-4 in favour of the home Boys.

Ibadan polo captain, Koyin Owoeye who described the event as one of the most exciting Ibadan tournaments in years, hailed all the visiting players and the teeming polo enthusiasts for making the glamorous fiesta such a huge success.

 “We are particularly indebted to our numerous sponsors for their unflinching support which ensures the successful hosting of this international polo tournament even at such notice,” Owoeye added.

"We are heading for Lagos, Kano and other tournaments with the right frame of mind, having picked up few tricks from our tournament. Anybody who stands on our way in any of the cups we are targeting would pay dearly for it," Owoeye warns.

Lagos that stormed the Oyo State capital city with four teams put up a good fight, harvesting one out of the three major titles at stake, while Kano who arrived the Ibadan capital city with a record seven teams, could only managed the Ade Alakija Cup won by the debuting Kano Fas Agro Sacks.

 The debuting Murtala Dankaka Fas Agro squad won the Ade Alakija Cup on first attempt, denying Ibadan Challenge the low-goal title in a hotly contested final.

The Ikoyi  based polo kings who have been playing second fiddle in the annual festival for four years now, produced the winners in the event’s second biggest title, Also playing their first Ibadan tournament, Lagos Marina outpaced Ibadan Leo Bigga Heirs team in the final to win the event’s medium-goal crown, the Rotimi Cup.

Rubicon, Air Peace, Daewoo Dominate P/H’2016 Polo Festival

The galleries at the foremost Port Harcourt Polo Club were jam-packed with royalties led by the Emir of Katsina, HRH Dr. Abdulmumuni Kabir, business tycoons and dignitaries who turned up in their numbers to witness the annual Niger Delta polo tournament which climaxed with fanfare last weekend.

The prestigious polo carnival that pitch top polo stars left in its glowing trail many memorable highpoints that would linger for a long time. One such glittering highlight was historic participation of the Emir of Katsina and Life Chairman of the Nigerian polo, who spend three days at the festival.

The royal father who was warmly received by royal fathers from the Niger Delta and the entire Nigerian polo family was on hand to present the T Y Danjuma and the Roland Cookey-Gam Cups prizes to the winners and runners-up, before returning to his ancient Katsina Kingdom.

After eight days of tense league games and close Semi Finals and final games, the Niger Delta Polo top finishers as Guards Brigade Rubicon from Abuja was one of the top performers, lifting the event’s biggest prize, General Hassan Katsina Cup beating Kaduna Kakuri and Port Harcourt Air Peace to the runners-up finish.

Army, Profile others light-up Twelve Twelve Fallen Heroes Tourney

Three high goal teams loaded with top stars, Kaduna Profile, Katsina Max Air and Abuja Keffi Ponys competed for the high stake President Cup at the inaugural edition of the international charity polo tournament that heralded that commencement of business at the magnificent Twelve Twelve Polo & Turf Club.

After six closely fought games, the historic event that attracted the crème de la creme of the society thrilled from start to finish, with the three combatants earning three points each with a win and loss, and after some intricate mathematics by the organizers, Max Air was declared winners with half goal, the slimmest victory margin that could only be possible in the noble game of kings. Kaduna Profile who defeated Max Air 4-3 in a tense final game, finished second, while Keffi Pony that lost by 11/2 goals to Max Air on the opening game, were second runners-up.

The President Cup is a high-goal trophy that is among the annually competed cups at 12-12. The cup is aimed at celebrating the past and present presidents and Heads of State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The 2015 edition of the President Cup is also aimed to creating awareness on the condition of the Internationally Displaced Persons from the North East.

The race for the Commemoration Cup was no less fierce with six equally matched teams, Trademark, Dagonyaro Farms, Almat Group, Titans Heritage and Terra E& P teams jostling for the title that was played in tribute to the brave and courageous men and women of the Nigerian Arm Forces who paid the ultimate price of death in the ongoing war against insurgence in the North East.

Terra E&P and Dogonyaro Farm emerged to play in the final after two rounds of group matches. In what may well be an epoch for the Twelve Twelve, it was Nigeria’s most rated players, Bello Buba who pivoted Terra past Dogonyaro  Farms with a slim 51/2-5 margin.

The pick of the four days historic tournament was undoubtedly the Chief of Army Staff Cup that heralded the return of  Brigadier Saa’d Abubakar and the former Nigerian Polo Federation (NPF) Scribe and one time Golden Boy of Port Harcourt polo, Musa Yahaya to active polo.

Hail Georgian Kings: EL-Amin Prove Themselves Best in History

Founded only two decades ago, in 1995, that, in truth, doesn’t confer the team with a long history. But El – Amin’s achievement’s, as a polo organization, has been phenomenal.

Since making its debut in Nigerian polo scene, the team has won every conceivable tournament and trophy on sight, making it not only Nigeria’s best and dominant team, but one of the finest outfits in the world as well.

Mohammed Babangida and his EL-Amin super stars have been a team in perpetual quest for glory. Player for player, pony for pony, tournament after tournament, this team has battled and conquers all, to perpetually stamp their supremacy in the noble game of kings. 

The Georgian Cup, one of the biggest Africa’s most wanted polo prize, was undoubtedly the pick of the pack at 2015 Kaduna International Polo Tournament which thrills to a colourful climax in front a surging crowd of over 10,000 polo enthusiasts.

The one-cup, three game, winners takes –all polo prize was bracing up history books as the oldest and the most revered polo prize in this part of the world which put the Georgian within the realms of such world class prizes on offer at the British and the Argentine opens.

The 2015 Kaduna International Polo Tournament left an enduring legacy in the mind of polo enthusiasts and the height of it all, was the Nigerian high-goal kings, EL-Amin that celebrated their 20th anniversary with a big bang.

What a glorious way to finish. The Georgian Cup and the best Kaduna polo fiesta, capped by the most exhilarating final and won by the best team of all-time, EL-Amin, led by polo’s finest players and piloted by the game’s Patron of the Decade supremo, Mohammad Babangida.

That conquest was their 12th title and a record achievement for any polo team ever for the 400 years old coveted polo crown that has been at stake annually in Nigeria for 95 years now.

Thanks to their daring quest and self belief that has been their hallmark in the last two decade, EL-Amin has dominated not only the Georgian Cup, but other high-goal titles like Majekodunmi Cup in Lagos, Emir of katsina Cup in Kano, the Nigerian Cup in katsina, IBB Cup in Minna and Hassan Katsina Cup in Port Harcourt.

“I'm really proud of the last 20 years, the highs and the lows, it has been an unbelievable journey,” Mohammad Babangida said. “I'm not too sure it's the end yet. There is a lot to happen with EL-Amin team. “I have a lot of time to sit back, relax and assess where we are. Where I am as a person, where I am as a player and maybe sit back and write a few more goals for the next few years.” Babangida declares.

“I think the future of polo in Nigeria looks bright. There are a lot of up and coming players around and a great deal of talents yet to be discovered.”   “Once young people get into polo, they’re passionate, like all of us. Polo is not just a sport; it’s a `way of life’. It takes over your life, and it has to be all- encompassing,” he added.