Top Nigerian polo players and enthusiasts alike are converging in Abuja for the annual 2023 National Carnival Polo Tournament scheduled to take off this weekend with funfair.
Revered for its pomp and cutting edge rivalry, no fewer than 20 polo teams are competing for a total of four cups in different categories at this year edition, with defending champions Malcomines, Nigerian Army, Police and Rubicon top the list of teams jostling for laurels at the foremost Guards Polo Ranch, Abuja.
With over twenty teams participating in the national carnival event, competition will be intense for the foremost President Cup which is the event’s biggest prize.
Other top trophies up for grab include the FCT Minister’s Cup, the Legislative Shield and Guards Challenge Cup that pits over ten equally matched and ambitious teams in a battle royal to decide the winner of the low-goal prize.
Speaking at the press conference yesterday ahead of the tournament, chairman of Abuja Guards Polo Club, Abdullah Ibrahim, said the club was set to host a successful National Carnival Polo Tournament tagged ‘A Signature Polo Experience’ from December 9 to December 17, 2023.
“it’s going to be a week of thrilling polo experience for the lovers of the game. “Our commitment to this tournament remains strong and we are absolutely passionate about the tournament.
“I want to use this medium to thank our teeming sponsors and partners, and assure them that they will get value for their investment because the tournament will provide the right atmosphere for their business,” Ibrahim said.
Also, Mukhtar Adahama, the tournament manager, said the event was expected to light up Abuja as one of the major events of the year in Nigeria’s capital city. “Our pitch is in top shape and the location of the Guards Polo Club remains a tourist delight.
“Those who will be part of this historic event are guaranteed a most exciting and memorable time in Abuja,” he said.
The club captain, Nasir Lukat, added that all the participating players, horses and pitch are ready for the nine days polo fiesta, saying big-name players to watch out for during the 9-day national polo carnival include Murtala Laushi +, Senator Hadi Sirika +1, Asharaf Yahaya +3, Idris Badamasi +3, Hamisu Buba +3, Abdulmalik Badamasi +4, Juan Crespo +5 and Peco Polledo +6.