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News
The honourable president of Port
Harcourt polo club,Zubi Nwuke Esq,spoke eloquently to
www.nigerianpoloonline.com. by Francis Nwanze, Founder polo online.
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The honourable president of Port Harcourt polo
club,Zubi Nwuke Esq,spoke eloquently to
www.nigerianpoloonline.com on the impressive
role of the top executives of the NPF towards
the successful hosting of the ongoing 2010 Port
Harcourt International polo tournament,tagged
Niger Delta Peace tournament.He also took time
to commend the very prompt and overwhelming
response of team patrons and polo players
accross the nation.In his words "we are very
much delighted that Port Harcourt polo
tournament is meeting up with the desired
standard as our tournament has always been
looked upon as the benchmark for others".
We thank most sincerely our corporate sponsors
and individuals who have rallied round us to
make this tourney the huge success that it is
today.He mentioned specifically the government
of Rivers state and TOTAL NIGERIA PLC for their
sponsorship.
He went further to say that the best is yet to
be seen as a whole lot more have been scheduled
for thursday to saturday the 16th of January
2010.Expected amongst artistes to entertain polo
enthusiasts are Banky W,Sound Sultan,Tu Face
etc.
On the other hand,his deputy, the vice president
of the club and chairman tournament planning
committee,Shehu Bobmanuel added that eventhough
the global economic meltdown affected most of
their traditional sponsors, they have been able
to put up a beffitting tournament.The 2010 Port
Harcourt polo tournament has been tagged "Niger
Delta Peace tournament 2010" following the
recent peace and reconciliation process going on
in Rivers state.
James
Ashton commits his interim presidency to seeking greater
transparency, accountability and decentralization of FIP
responsibilities. by Francis Nwanze, Founder polo online.Excerpt from FIP
website.
The
interim President of the Federation of
International Polo (FIP), Mr. James Ashton, will
focus on what he describes as the "grass-roots"
issues of polo during his interim management.
Mr. Ashton outlined his priorities following
the resignation of FIP President Patrick
Guerrand-Hermes on Monday 23rd November in
Buenos Aires, at an informal meeting, following
the deferral of the 27th FIP General Assembly to
an as yet unspecified date and venue.
He
committed his interim presidency to seeking
greater transparency, accountability and
decentralization of FIP responsibilities. His
priorities include proposals to review polo
handicapping (in particular to redress the
anomalies created between –2 and one-goal
handicaps); a restoration of the rules of polo
as interpreted by umpires before the advent of
pro-am polo, and an international agreement on
the rules of polo; delegation of greater
authority to the FIP Zone Co-ordinators to
organize tournaments and clinics for children
and umpires appropriate for their zones; and
strategies to increase FIP revenue by such means
as merchandise franchises; a FIP credit card and
corporate sponsorship of FIP polo events,
subject to avoiding conflicts of interest with
corporate sponsorship of national polo events.
Mr. Ashton said that FIP urgently sought
increased revenue to fund the appointment of a
fulltime, salaried general manager and a small
secretariat to share the workload.
In
appointing James Ashton as interim president,
the FIP Council of Administration took account
of his long commitment to polo, both as a player
and administrator, together with his experience
and contribution in fields unrelated to polo.
Born in 1941, he is the son of the late
Jim Ashton, captain and manager of an Australian
polo team of four brothers who were unbeaten in
Australia from 1929 until their retirement in
1939, and who won the British Hurlingham
championship gold cup in 1937. Following his
schooling, Mr. Ashton took a Bachelor of Arts
degree (Sydney University, 1963), and later
graduated with a Master of Business
Administration (University of NSW, 1972).
He
took up polo in 1963 and attained a four-goal
handicap before a debilitating illness forced
him to retire from the game in 1968 for 15
years. After his recovery he returned to polo,
which he plays to this day.
As a polo
official, in the late 1990s and early 2000s he
was president of the New South Wales (NSW) Polo
Association and the Australian Polo Council. In
the latter capacity, in Melbourne he organized
the 6th FIP 14-goal World Polo Cup which is
remembered to this day for the quality horses
lent by the Australian polo community to the
eight finalists.
A sheep farmer by vocation
(and more recently also an award-winning wine
grower), since the mid-1990s when he founded the
Millamolong Polo Club he has hosted an annual
international ladies' tournament and several FIP
Ambassadors Cups.
In his absence, in
2005 the Council of Administration appointed him
FIP Treasurer, serving under its then president,
Glen Holden. He continued as Treasurer under
Patrick Guerrand Hermes.
Mr. Ashton is
committed to deciding as soon as practicable on
a venue and date for the deferred 27th FIP
General Assembly. To encourage the attendance of
FIP delegates, it will coincide with a major
polo event, as previous General Assemblies have
done with the Argentine Open.
One
possibility is Florida in February, coinciding
with its high-goal season. Another is Buenos
Aires in April when Argentina hosts La Copa de
las Naciones. Among FIP's most pressing tasks at
the next General Assembly will be the election
of a new President.
Reminiscing on the
making of an MVP (Sayyu Dantata) at the Vmobile
African Masters International polo fiesta a few
years ago.by Francis Nwanze, Founder polo
online
His ability in the
game of kings has never been doubted,
neither has his quality of play been questioned.
That is why wherever Sayyu Dantata goes to play
polo; his presence has always added some fervour
to the game. So when his name cropped up in the
list of those who would dorn the nation’s
green-white-green at the African Masters along
side Adamu Atta +4, Bashir Dantata +3 and
Mohammed Babangida +4 many expected him to do
well.
True to his rating, the slightly
built Sayyu gave all he has in a match that
brought the best in the Nigeria team.
Although South Africa won the second
edition of that Vmobile African Masters
International polo fiesta, Nigeria’s Sayyu
emerged as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the
Gold Cup category of the tournament. Aly Kashef
a +2 and Captain of the Egyptian team, won MVP
in the Silver Cup category, even as the pony he
rode on also won the Best Playing Pony in the
Silver Cup category.
But Sayyu's
brilliant horsemanship was the issue of the day
and the talk of the moment. To emerge MVP in the
tournament, Sayyu scored a total of 7 of the
total 12 scored by the Nigeria team. While Sayyu
was celebrating his feat in the High Goal
category, Egypt player, Aly Kashef also savoured
honour he got from his exemplary display in the
Silver Cup category.
Aly scored 8 goals
out of the 17 scored in the three matches played
against Ghana, Zambia, and Nigeria. Beside the
goals scored, their overall contributions to the
performance of their respective teams was
another factor put into consideration before
they were awarded MVPs awards. For instance,
Sayyu Dantata’s exemplary performance during the
final match against South Africa where he
outshone the likes of Steve Evans, whose
excellent performance in the previous match also
put him in good stead for the award. Sayyu
Dantata’s mastery and proficiency on the pony is
to say the least enterprising. And this, he
translated into his scoring goals, getting to
his credit 5 of the 7 goals recorded in the
final match against South
Africa.
However, those who know the stuff
the patron of Lagos High Goal Team MRS is made
off would easily tell he is a performer any day.
At the maiden edition of the championship, where
he operated behind ‘the Teacher’, as Dawule Buba
is often called, Sayyu was the cynosure of all
eyes, scoring difficult goals and many other
assists. Prior to that championship, Sayyu was
also voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the
Lagos International Polo Tournament held in
February 2003.
Sayyu whose rampaging
form since coming out of a career threatening
skiing accident three years ago earned him many
fans, is the patron of a Lagos based high-goal
team, Lagos MRS and a first choice number two
player who has played the game internationally.
His valuable contribution which earned Lagos
IBTC their first Majekodunmi Cup title, is still
fresh in the minds of polo buffs across the
country.
A
Review of El Amin's 2009 Georgian Cup Final
Match.
For
the forth time in a roll, El Amin have won the
prestigious Georgian Cup final of the 2009
Kaduna International Polo Tournament.
But unlike the previous tournaments, the
Mohammed Babangida Sponsored team easily
galloped to the climax of the three teams race
at the expense of archrivals Lagos Machines and
Hajara Farms of Katsina, in grand style.
El Amin employed her superior horsepower
to make mincemeat of other contestants to clinch
the trophy with relative ease.
The
defending champions, in their usual intimidating
style, blew away the aspirations of the Lagos
Machines with a 9-3 whacking, in addition to
retaining the equally high-rated Argentine
Ambassador trophy. The Machines, which paraded
mixed-breed horses, had raised the hope that
they would be a tough nut to crack, in the early
stages of the final.
But nimble-footed
El Amin that deployed superior horsepower, team
unity (having been together for more than seven
years) solid defensive tactics marshaled by hard
hitting patron of the team, Mohammed Babangida,
fast and nifty attack of Hamisu Buba to clog
their path.
They also depended on the
unpredictable scheming of Ibrahim Mohammed aka
"RAMBO" and a delectable display by Nigeria’s
best player, Bello Buba in the middle of the
park,to outshine the Lagos team. El Amin had
earlier massacred the die hard fighters, Hajara
Farms.
Though defeated, the Machines were
not actually vanquished. Starring Adamu Yaro and
Jamilu Mohammed in the middle of the park, with
Abdulmumini Musa playing off them in the attack,
while his elder brother Bashir Musa directs
affairs from the rear, Lagos Machines promised
much but they eventually delivered little as El
Amin clogged the wheels of the machines at least
for another year.
An elated Mohammed
Babangida,patron of El Amin savoured his victory
with glowing humility as he lifted his highly
cherished Georgian cup for the fourth time in a
stretch.
Mohammed
Baba Kyari NPF secretary general speaks on
Nigeria's premier polo
website
As the 2009 Kaduna
International Polo tournament approaches its
grand finale, the incumbent secretary general of
the NPF Mohammed Baba Kyari spoke to the founder
Polo Online Francis Nwanze on the issues at
front burners. Below is the excerpt of the
interview;
Welcome sir! you had
a spectacular outing today and spectators were
thrilled with your fantastic horsemanship, how
do you feel about this great
performance?
Well thank you
Francis, as you know polo is the game of kings
and the king of games. It is the sport I love
most. I have played it from childhood and I
don’t think there is any other sports I have
enjoyed more. For the impressive performance I
think there is no other reason but adequate
preparation for my games. I train regularly and
try as much as possible to concentrate on the
game whenever I'm playing.
Sir, as the 2009
Kaduna International Polo tournament approaches
its grand finale, polo followers have commented
that the game of kings is gradually losing its
sophistication. Kaduna International Tournament
which used to be the conclave of kings and
aristocrats is failing to parade its traditional
values, what could be the reason for
this?
Well I'm not in a
position to know the reason because I'm just an
ordinary member of the kaduna Polo Club, despite
the fact that I'm the secretary of the national
ruling body. However, I think they lost the
sponsorship of one of the regular main sponsors
which is Guinness. They were here last year, but
this time the contract expired and they didn't
renew it. Nevertheless we hope that they will
come back sometime in future.
Very well Sir, there
are reports that there is a lot of anticipation
and tension surrounding the NPF election slated
for Friday 20th of November 2009? How true is
this and what is the level of preparedness of
the electoral college of the NPF?
Well I think as far
as the Electoral College is there, all hands are
on deck. All clubs have returned their list of
delegates for the election and nominees for the
offices, they are already in the secretariat,
any moment from now, after the national council
meeting we shall announce to public knowledge
the names of all those who are contesting for
the various offices and the delegates that would
be voting in the election. So far I think
everything is going well.
But we hear of some
high level political machinations by some
candidates?
Listen Francis, those
political machinations are left to the
candidates. And even at this point I don’t think
some are even sure that they are candidates
because it is not public knowledge
yet.
In conclusion sir,
what message do you have for polo lovers,
patrons, players and supporters in connection
with the growth of the game?
Play polo to
experience the thrill of a game played with the
aid of an extraordinarily energetic animal.
Enjoy the speed, the style and our strong
Equestrian culture. Our deep passion for the
noble game of polo is nothing but a clear
demonstration of the love of creations of the
Almighty Allah. Respect the people you play with
on the pitch and respect the engine room which
is the horse. Thank you.
Clash of the
titans, the early rumours of an impending
doom
Unbelievable!!!
rumours everywhere, there is rumour spreading
like wild fire here in the 2009 Kaduna
International polo tournament about an article
published in one of the national tabloids
where the incumbent 1st vice president voiced
out his mind on the impact of politics as its
affect this year’s tournament.
In what has become
the front burner for this year's most "dramatic
political strategy", the popular Northern
tabloid quoted the vice president who is eyeing
the post of the chairman in the national polo
ruling body as blaming those he defeated of
sabotaging the Tournament For political gains.
The rumour now is that a group is capitalising
on the publication for a fast twist to truncate
the political ambition of the principal voice in
that publication.
"I don’t know why our
game has suddenly become so politicised. Voting
is a game of numbers, and anyone or group of
persons angling for an office in the leadership
of the NPF now should campaign for votes",
stated an insider source.
“It is rather
unfortunate that we are allowing what ought to
be a fraternal recreation to take an offensive
state. Holding a post should not be a do or die
affair, rather than calling your perceived
opponents names, one should concentrate in
selling his manifestos, because we are quite
enlighten in things like this,” he
added.
As the sponsorship of
the 2009 Kaduna International Polo Tournament
enters its grand finale, polo followers have
commented that the game of kings is gradually
loosing its sophistication. Kaduna International
Tournament which used to be the conclave of
kings and aristocrats is failing to parade these
traditional values, no thanks to the craze for
power in Kaduna and no thanks to the reckless
political crisis which is ballooning into a full
scale organisational meltdown, the tournament
this year has lost its steam and every polo
enthusiast is now confronted with a polarized
family. Indications are that if the custodians
of the noble game fail to intervene now,
Nigerian polo is at risk of going
under.
We now hear that in
the event of any failure to go to the polls and
run a credible election of officers who are
capable with the love of the game in their
heart, it might then be the final laying to rest
of our dear beloved game in this part of the
world.
With dissensions now
growing over this suspected plot to hijack the
Nigerian Polo Federation, there is need for the
present interim leadership to be extra careful
not to rubbish what our heroes past laboured to
build.
May the labour of HRH
Emir of Katsina, late Alhaji Muhammadu Dikko,
HRH Usman Nagogo, General Hassan Katsina, H.E.
late Alhaji Muhammadu Shehu kangiwa, late
Rex Raccah, late Senator Idris Ibrahim Kuta and
many others never be in
vain. | |
Francis Ogboro
added his voice in support of the election of Alhaji
Lawan Kaita for the office of the chairman of the
NPF. 09/11/2009
As we countdown to the
commencement of the 2009 Kaduna International Polo
Tournament from Nov 14 2009,the ever vibrant and
articulate Lagos Polo Club captain, Francis Ogboro has
added his voice in support of the election of Alhaji
Lawan Kaita for the office of the chairman of the
NPF.
Meanwhile, those angling for
various offices of the new Nigerian Polo Federation are
already at topmost level of consultations and
campaigning for votes from the various clubs with a view
to securing their delegate's votes. For the first time
in the over 105 years history of the sport, only
delegates would be electing officers in the various
offices of the powerful polo ruling body. However, there
is a rumor that some top-notch members of the polo
fraternity are planning to recycle the old hands which
they believe posses the experience needed to keep the
federation in the right track. This has degenerated into
what is now a tough debate within the polo fraternity
and some observers have said that polo administrators in
Nigeria should be careful not to cause any form of
segregation that could truncate the enviable growth of
the noble game in Nigeria.
According to the comments of one
young upcoming Kaduna players who read a part of the
Election Code and Modalities of the NPF which he
believes corroborates the plan to recycle the old
hands." We know their plans and we are ready
for
them. They want to recycle all the old schools that ran
this association aground; that is why they say one must
be above 40 ye ars before vying for the
posts".
But in a dissenting voice, the
Lagos polo club captain, Francis Ogboro believes that
The interim committee, led by Lawan Kaita, a former
governor of Katsina State, which came on board last
November following the confusion that trailed the
incomplete elections into the executive board of the NPF
in Kaduna last November,has done well with the reforms
of the Election Code and Modalities of the NPF.In his
words,"In the interest of the growth of our noble game
in Nigeria,the Interim Committee Chairman, Alhaji Lawan
Kaita should be encouraged to contest unopposed for the
office of the chairman of NPF".He said although he had
received several calls persuading him to contest for the
post of the chairman of the federation,it is his humble
view that Alhaji Lawan Kaita be allowed to continue in
his good leadership.
As views and reactions on the
forthcoming election remain mixed,some questions about
the powers of the committee to change the constitution
of the NPF continue to spread, even after the
ratification of the constitutional and election reform
proposals which held at the ancient city of Yola,
Adamawa State, in October. Some still frown at the
modalities the committee used in categorizing the
various clubs and how it arrived at the number of
delegates.
Going to the center stage of this
political manoeuvrings, The main office that is heating
the polity and attracting a lot of contention is the
post of the Secretary General, where the incumbent, who
was the sole candidate last year, is poised to smother
any form of challenges with his intimidating incumbency
and in-depth knowledge of the rules and politics of the
game. His biggest challenge is likely to come from
Kaduna where more than two candidates have indicated
interest, and the Port Harcourt club, believed to be
packaging one of its members for the plum
job.
It is sure going to be a complete
political showdown. As we know, Kaduna, undoubtedly is
the center of the biggest polo fiesta in Nigeria and
once again will be brought under the thunderous
lamentation of the hooves of more than half a thousand
well nurtured Argentine ponies and the great panache of
all the polo team patrons and their
entourage.
THREE LARGEST POLO
ASSOCIATIONS WITHDRAW FROM INTERNATIONAL BODY
(London, 29th October
2009.)
From
the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) for and on behalf
of the HPA, US Polo Association (USPA) and Asociación
Argentina de Polo (AAP).
The
three largest national polo associations, representing
well over half of the world’s amateur and professional
players, have resigned their membership of the
Federation of International Polo (FIP).
The
Asociación Argentina de Polo (AAP) withdrew from the
international federation on 26 October 2009, followed on
27 October by the US Polo Association (USPA) and the
Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), governing body of the
sport in the UK and Ireland.
Between them these
three biggest former stakeholders in the FIP have just
over 9,000 registered members, compared with less than
7,500 in the other approximately 50 polo-playing
countries that are members of the FIP.
“It is
with the deepest regret that we three associations have
resigned from the FIP,” said a spokesman speaking on
behalf of the three. “We believe strongly in the concept
of a global body to represent the sport of polo in
international forums, but we have been disappointed by
the
unwillingness of the current president to take on
board or even discuss the concerns of ourselves and
others. The polo world is a small one so it is sad day
for the game and we will now have to look at how best we
can continue to help expand the game in the many
countries where it is now
played or might be
introduced.”
The HPA traces its ancestry back to
the 1875 Polo Committee of London’s Hurlingham Club and
currently has 24 affiliated countries playing under HPA
rules. The USPA, under chairman Thomas Biddle of Aiken,
South Carolina, was founded in 1890. The AAP, under
president Luis Lalor, had
its beginnings in 1892. The
FIP was formed much later, in 1982, to promote the
growth of polo worldwide and foster cooperation between
all the autonomous national
associations.
MTN/KATSINA INTERNATIONAL POLO TOURNAMENT.
8TH AUG 2009.
Lagos Rubicon, Kaduna sweep top
honours
By Ernest Ekpenyong
Sun News
Publishing
This year’s MTN/Katsina
International Polo Tournament, which came to a memorable
climax over the weekend, would be remembered as the most
exciting polo fiesta in Katsina for years.
One of its
numerous legacies, which would be the talk of the town,
is the commanding performances by Lagos and Kaduna
teams, who finished with flourishing glory to maintain
their supremacy as the best polo playing centres in the
country.
Lagos, led by Hadi Sirika’s Rubicon and
Ahmed Wadada-led Kaduna Keffi Pony, between them, swept
the three major titles at stake in the international
event, leaving hosts, Katsina with only one title to
show for their effort.
The noise was loud and
clear early in the competitions, with three Lagos teams
and their Kaduna counterparts advancing to crucial
stages of the 10-day international polo rumble, in what
eventually narrowed down to the traditional Lagos-Kaduna
face-off. The two teams had dominated the Nigerian polo
scene for decades now.
With teams from Kano,
Ibadan, Bauchi, Yola, returnee Port Harcourt and hosts,
Katsina playing the catch-up game to these two rivals,
the race was indeed fierce and the teeming polo buffs,
who throng the Sir Usman Nagogo Polo Ground venue of the
event truly had their money and time worth.
At the
end of a thoroughly exciting weeklong MTN Polo
extravaganza, Lagos Rubicon wrote their names in gold,
carting home the Nigerian Cup and Dikko Memorial Cup to
emerge the overall champions of MTN/Katsina ’09
International Polo Tournament. That victory, which would
be celebrated for a long while, is Rubicon’s first
Katsina top title after finishing overall runners-up
last year.
The Final game, which was watched by a
mammoth crowd that included the Speaker of House of
Representatives, Honourable Dimeji Bankole, Governor
Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State, first-class emirs,
diplomats and a delegation from neighbouring Niger
Republic, saw the Lagos team beating homeboys, Katsina
Kangiwa 4–3.
Kangiwa, parading Bello Buba, Lawal
Mangal, Abba Sule and Mohammed Seriki, had set the
ground alight, scoring in the first minute of the
opening chukker of the explosive final, but the quartet
of Hadi Sirika, Ahmadu Umar, Jamilu Mohammed and Usman
Idris in Rubicon drew level in the second chukkers to
calm frail nerves of the fans.
It was a
player-for-player, a horse-for-horse technical clash,
with the two sides tied at 3–3 into the final minute of
the five chukker confrontation, till Ahmedu Umar scored
the million dollar winner in the last second of the
final chukker, which was greeted with deafening cheers
from the surging crowd.
Winning the biggest title at
stake in the first event of the new polo season, makes a
bold statement for Honourable Sirika and his Aviation
Boys, who have been the most consistent team flying the
Lagos flag at major tournaments in the last four
seasons.
On the other hand, Kaduna Keffi, who
were clearly the best performing Kaduna teams, carted
home the Talba Zakari Cup and the Coomassie Cup
respectively ahead of Lagos Ikoyi, who finished
runners-up in the Coomassie Cup campaign, which
attracted a record 12 teams from across the
country.
Lagos Rubicon (2), who were for a double
crown, lost the General Hassan Cup and became runners-up
to Kaduna Yula Farms, who finished ahead on goal
difference. The coveted medium-goal title named after
the former military Governor of North Central State,
General Hassan Katsina, was won by Katsina Kangiwa.
Other top finishers in the MTN-powered fiesta
were Katsina IT Sec., who won the runners-up prize in
the Talba Cup and the Tony Isodje-led Legislature team,
who defeated their Executive opponents to clinch the
Governor Shema Cup.
Apart from the celebrated return
of Port Harcourt polo teams to the national tour in
Katsina, the other major highpoints of the fiesta were
the historic defeat of Bauchi Kari team by Kaduna Keffi
Pony, which took their rivalry to a new
height.
It was one of the most celebrated
victories in Katsina this year, as the Wadada boys, who
had played second fiddle to the Abubakar Kari Warriors
on two occasions this year, finally found the magic wand
to fly past their intimidating Bauchi rivals.
Their
first meeting this year was in Lagos, when the Musa
Kari-led Bauchi side pulled the rug off their feet to
win the Dansa Cup last February. The second clash last
June was more disastrous for the ambitious Keffi Pony
side, as they laboured to pick a final ticket in the
Governor’s Cup in Bauchi, only to be humiliated by the
Juan Roman-pivoted Kari side, who went ahead to win
their first-ever Governor’s Cup at home.
"We have
finally found the winning number against the Kari Boys
and I don’t think they would ever stand on our way in
subsequent tournaments, because nobody can stop Keffi
Pony from now on," defender, Rabiu Mohammed, who has
been with the team since their debut two years ago,
enthused.
Keffi Pony’s patron, Honourable Wadada,
who scored in the 8–3 victory, celebrated the
hard-earned victory in a more sporty way, exchanging
jersey with the Bauchi Kari captain, Musa Kari moments
after the final bell went.
The shocked Kari
captain, who has been with the Governor’s Cup champions
since their debut, took the defeat with a philosophical
calm. "We played badly and the marking was not very
tight, which gave them chances to push deep into our
defence and to get some goals," he narrated after the
tensed encounter decided in the heat of the Katsina’s
afternoon
sun.
He, however, promised to exact a
more painful defeat on Kaduna Keffi Pony
in their
next clash, which is likely to be at the Yola Annual
Tournament,
where Bauchi Kari are household names as
defending champions.
"We wish Keffi Pony well. Their
patron is our good friend and a passionate
lover of
polo, the king of games. But they won’t be so lucky next
time,"
Musa promised.
As
soon as it was 12noon,and the loud and eloquent nothern
voice of Hassan Gashash, Nigeria's most widely accepted
polo commentator was heard it signalled the commencement
of matches for the second day of the 2009 MTN/Katsina
International Polo Tournament.Polo players and thier
enthusiastic fans trooped in to take thier seats to see
another round of quality polo entertainment.We had just
seen three matches and the momentum was gradually
building up for the first and second climaxing matches
between Keffi ponnys and Dokaji, and Kaduna Trapco Farms
and kaduna 5th Chukker, these teams contesting for TALBA
Cup and Nigeria Cup respectively. But unfortunately as
we had it,Nature took its portion and left the NPA with
no other option but to call it a day. The match between
Kaduna Keffi Ponnys and Dokaji which was already in its
second chukker was brought to an abrupt end by a very
heavy rainfall.His Royal Highness had barely driven in
to the arena when nature struck.Nevertheless,it seemed
it was a blessing because thee grasses on the pitch were
fast drying up and they needed water to get
lursh.Meanwhile the unplayed matches have been moved
forward to the next day,and as soon as we have good
information about the time
9TH AUG 2009.
The match that took
the day was the very explosive encounter between the two
giants of Nigerian contemporary polo.Kaduna Trapco polo
team and Kaduna 5th chukker were a huge delight to
see.The match was tension soaked from the very first
minute and It kept all spectators requesting for
more.From the intimidating view of the array of well
groomed Argentine horses to the exceptionally thrilling
skills of unbridled horsemanship,both teams were just
too awesome.Although the match ended in favour of Kaduna
Trapco by a goal margin of 7 to 41/2.Alh. Aminu
Gagare,Hassan Hadeija,home boy Babangida Hassan made a
lovely team with free flowing and tactically loaded polo
style.Notwithstanding,Trapco with the presence of the
thier patron on the field of play was not a match at all
for the mighty 5th chukker.Trapco, parading some of the
deadliest in the game of polo in nigeria,like Abba
Ibrahim,Ibrahim Mohammed,Hamisu Buba and the big patron
himself Alh Suleiman Abubakar didnt live any stone
unturned in the match.
Their fire power against 5th
chukker was simply irresistible.Fans say they look
forward to seeing a reapeat of such excellency today as
they meet Lagosians in the penultimate match of
2day..
10TH AUG 2009.
Kaduna Keffi Ponnys1 struck like
a tonado today.They beat rampaging Bauchi kari
8goals to 31/2.The match was completly dominated by the
kaduna warlords who rode in thier majestic
Argies and sudanesse stallions.Their fireworks were just
too much for Bauchi Kari that throughout the 4 chukkers
they managed to score only
twice.
The 2009 MTN Kano Polo Tournament came to
an end today in grand style as the high and mighty
converged at the prestigious Kano polo club .The climax
of the tournament today was the colourful presentation
of prizes.The teams that emerged winners are, Kaduna
Keffi Ponys (DANGOTE CUP), Kaduna Trapco (EMIR OF
KATSINA CUP) and Katsina Massanawa (DANTATA CUP). The
special guest of the day, the FIP president
Mr Patrick
Geurrand-Hermes was particularly elated and impressed
with the standard of the game in Nigeria. He stated that
the MTN Kano polo tournament attracted the largest crowd
he had ever seen in the game of polo in recent times. It
was indeed a massive show of passion for the horseman's
game.This historic visit
of the FIP President, his first of such visit to
Africa since the inauguration of the global polo
authority, was facilitated by the Kano Polo Captain,
Tajudeen Dantata. Initiated by the Nigeria Polo
Association (NPA) during the just concluded Kings Cup in
Rabat, Morocco, the invitation was handed to the polo
boss by Kano Polo Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Dantata, and
was accepted by Guerrand-Hermes through the NPA scribe,
Mohammed Kyari. While in Nigeria, the FIP president will
spend days in Kano meeting top Nigerian polo stake
holders. He will also visit some other important places
of interest before departing Nigeria.
As if the frenzy in the
atmosphere was not enough the buster came with the grand
entry of one of the most celebrated and revered monarchs
of northern Nigeria. HRH Alh. ADO BAYERO, the Emir of
Kano. He took the occasion by storm, the grandeur of his
entourage was a delight to everyone. Kano polo club was
the place to be. There was a reverberating standing
ovation for the Great Emir, and in his characteristic
majestic style, he responded to his very loyal subjects
who prior to his arrival had enjoyed unbridled polo.
According to Mr. Ahmad
Farroukh, the Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria,
title sponsor of the tournament
for more than 7 years , Kano
has been an excellent host of our personnel and our
equipment. Kano has also provided immense support
to our brand. By promoting sports like polo we bring
people together and
enhance goodwill across the
community. We also provide an avenue for the talented to
develop their skills profitably. We are poised to do
more. We thank the people of Kano for their support over
the years .On our part, we will continue to strive to
meet your expectations as a telecoms service provider,
employer of labour and a supporter of the collective
dream of the people of Kano.
The grand finale was attended
by dignitaries from various walks of life, amongst them
were,
30TH June
Matches
KEFFI PONYS SENDS LAGOS AGAD
PARKING.
The players of Kaduna
Keffi Ponys team rode Lagos Agad hard and got them
drowned. From the beginning it was a show of supremacy
over Lagosians. The quintessential polo afficionado, Hon
A.A. Wadada was in his usual scintillating form and his
hitman Ibrahim Rambo Mohammed led the arsenal for
the rampaging Kaduna Keffi Ponys. The Lagos Agad team
led by the outstanding stickworks of Glory Mbano
could not exstinguished the fire power of their
formidable opponent. After the explosive four chukkers
game,the elatedPatron of Kaduna Keffi Ponys , Hon. A.A.
Wadada spoke to our correspondent Joseph Odika and
Stated that the consistent improving performance of his
boys could only be ascribed to hard work and discipline.
In his words, "we believe in ourselves, and take each
match as if we were playing the finals". No team is
underrated and no team is too big for a defeat.
That is our approach to every game". The match ended 11
goals to 1 in favour of Kaduna Keffi
Ponys.
The kaduna based polo lords
who became a household name early this year after
beating a crowded field to win one of the major prizes
in Lagos last February, are campaigning for their first
ever major title in the ongoing Kano International Polo
Tournament that climaxed with pomp on Saturday.
29TH June
Matches
EMIR OF KATSINA CUP
Lagos Rubicon
vs Katsina Hajara Farms1 5.00pm
This was the match of
the day. It was a spectacular outing by both teams.Both
teams knew what they wanted from the blast of the
whistle which signaled the commencement of the match.
Katsina Hajara Farms1 registered their position as a
hard nut to crack in the 2009 Battle for The EMIR OF
KATSINA CUP as they held the Lagos Rubicon team which
featured a +7 hired assassin to a 6 to 6 tie in a close
encounter. Katsina Hajara Farms1 raced to an early 3-0
lead but the Rubicon men regained their composure and
almost leveled the scores at 4-3 through goals by Diego
White and Bashir Bashir Dantata.The golden boy TJ and
Mamuda Shehu propelled Katsina Hajara Farms1 to take the
lead by 6 to 3 at the 3rd chukker, they converted a
penalty to put them ahead. But from the fourth chukker,
Lagos Rubicon team showed great resolve as the patron
Hon. Hadi Sirika charged his team to score to level the
scores by the dynamic Diego White. The final score was
Lagos Rubicon 6 - Katsina Hajara Farms1 6.
The Lagos Rubicon Team featured Hon Hadi
Sirika, Bashir Bashir Dantata jnr, Diego White and
Jemilu Mohammed, just as Katsina Hajara Farms1 team
paraded the likes of Alhaji Bashir Yaradua (Patron),
Mamuda Shehu, Tijani Hassan and Ado
Madawaki.
(AUDU BAKO CUP)
The day started
with the match between Minna Jamilla villa Farms and Jos
Mazaha
They were the 1st two teams that opened the
polo fireworks for the day at 11.00am.
At the end of
the keenly contested match Minna Jamilla villa farms
emerged winner.
Kano Manarat vs Kano DMS2 was the
2nd match of the day for AUDU BAKO CUP which commenced
at 12.00 noon.Nuhu haruna scored the 1st goal in the 2nd
chukker putting kano DMS 2goals ahead.Nuhu also scored
the 2nd goal of the 2nd chukka.
This skillfull player
of Kano DMS2 was in top form as he found his way into
the defence line of Kano Manarat several times.He
completely dominated the match, scoring again in the 3rd
chukka the 4th goal.He finally puts an end to the match
when in the 4th chukkker he fired in three thunderous
goals making the goals margin 7 to 2
1/2.
Najib Galandanci's Kano Manarat were a
shadow of the team that emerged the winner of Sarkin
Fulani cup of the just concluded Bauchi 2009 tourney.
They were virtually incapacitated as Kabir Dantata was
seen making several devastating incursions into the goal
post of Kano Manarat.
Kaduna Keffi
Ponys2 vs Kaduna BNTI
This match galloped off at
1.00pm.It was an array of upcoming young, talented and
promising polo stars.
Rabiu Mohammed started by
launching a great goal in the very first minute of the
1st chukka for keffi ponys 11. Suleiman Abubakar (Jnr.)
scored d second goal for Keffi ponys.It was indeed a
show of great talents.Muktar Adahama on the other hand
scored the first goal for Kaduna BNTI, Idumu Mohammed
the African Master muscled up a great attacking force
for BNTI too.
DANGOTE (CUP)
katsina Masanawa
qualifies.
The match between Kano Fortunate foods and
Katsina Masanawa started at 4.00pm
Saidu Umar was the
man who assasinated the defending champions of Dangote
Cup. Saidu Umar was the man of the match. Like Miguelle
Novillo Astrada and Facundo Pieres (Jnr.) playing on
same side, it was a superb combination between him and
Aminu Gagare. Katsina Masanawa was no match at all for
Kano fortunate foods. Although, the great polo
computerizer,Alhaji Bashir Dantata did everything
possible to save his team from imminent defeat. It was
just too much of a strike force for the tactical
arrangement of Kano fortunate foods. This scintilating
display of free flowing polo ended 7 1/2 to 2goals in
favour of Katsina
Masanawa.
Mr.
Patrick Ikeji, director of Nigerian Sports
Commission witnesses the final of the polo edition
of the national sports festival, tagged KADA
games 2009.
Kano
emerged the winners of the kada games Gov's cup By
winning the gold medal. Lagos state grabbed the silver
and the winner of the kada games kada cup.F.C.T grabbed
the bronze
medal.
Some
of the players of the kada games who were giving
additional trophies for outstanding performances
include N0 1 polo player in Nigeria,
Bello Buba, Tajo Danjuma, Bishir Mangal, Jamilu Umar,
Ahmedu Bakori and the Sectary General of Nigerian polo
Association, Baba Kyari.
February 19th
2009
Reports from the National Sports
Festival kada 2009 polo matches show that kano state
team walloped kaduna state the host state with 6 goals
to 1.The trio of Buba bello,Tajo dantata and Ali barjiwa
dazzled the host state with unimaginable mallet strokes
and outstanding goals.
In an interview with
Bello buba by our Kada 2009 correspondent Joseph Odika,
Buba said he was still warming up, that he is yet to
unleash his master skills. He has promised his state
that, with the team spirit of his team mates, they are
going to win the gold medal. He also went ahead saying
that they are lifting the additional Governor's cup and
KADA cup respectively.
Mohammed Babangida,
son of an erstwhile military President and the patron,
of the famous undisputed champions EL-AMIN team
thrilled spectators with his high sense of horsemanship
and dramatic goal jubilation. There was a long standing
ovation for this handsome man who captained the F.C.T
team after scoring the last goal of their explosive
match against the mighty Katsina team.
The Kaduna polo
pitch remains the center of attraction in this
year's National Sports Festival
despite the
fact that it is being played for the first time. Just
yestreday, there was a mammot crowd gathered around the
pitch from the first match of the day to the
end. We recall that yesterday's match also paraded great
players like the Honourable Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Rt. Hon, Dimeji Bankole, who played
alongside Mohammed Babangida for the F.C.T team.
Although, they lost 5 goals to 6 against
Katsina.
February 18th
2009
Polo matches were played in
the prestigious Murtala square where the Kaduna polo
club is situated.Among the dignitaries that saw the
opening match were the Gov.of Kaduna state,the chairman
Nigerian Polo Association,Secretary Geneneral of NPA to
mention a few.
The festival's polo game
also paraded top polo players like no1 polo player Bello
Buba and other big players such as Mohammed Babangida,
Ibrahim Mohammed, Babangida Hassan, Baba Kyari,
Dawule Buba etc. It was a very colorful event as
sponsors and foreign nationals trooped out enmasse to
watch the game.
This is the first time
polo is played in the National Festival thus,
the
massive turn out.The huge turn out of spectators and
their enthusiasm during the last match between Kano
state and FCT made it electrifying. The game
ended in a 6-goals tie.
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![Nigerian Polo]() |
![Nigerian Polo]() |
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| 2009 Lagos Polo
Tournament
February 7th
2009 |
|
El-Amin wins 2009
Majekodunmi
Hon Hadi Serika, responding very
rapidly to treatment after sustaining a shoulder
fracture during his last match.
Lagos Caverton II wins DANSA
cup.
Bello Buba promises to destroy MRS
in todays final quest for the most coveted
MAJEKODUNMI CUP
Hon. Ahmed Aliyu Wadada,Chairman
Sportslink Online Ltd pays his fellow legislator
Hon Hadi Serika a get well soon visit at the
Hospital.
Kaduna Keffi pony wins the lagos cup
sponsored by Promasidor nig ltd by 7 goals to 6
1/2.
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![]()
Bello Buba
![]()
Bayo Amusan
![]()
Atedo Peterside
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February 4th
2009
The
honorable speaker of the house to play tomorrow at 4pm.
King
Sunny Ade to entertain guests tomorrow at the cocktail
party
The man
popularly called "THE HEAD GROOM" patron of Katsina
Hajara Farms, Alhaji Bashir Yaradua has promised to beat
the defending champion El Amin in todays majekodunmi cup
"cracker".
Hon. Ahmed
Aliyu Wadada occupies the exalted position of Chairman
Board of Directors SPORTSLINK ONLINE
LTD.
Sani Dangote
dazzles spectators with master horsemanship at the
ongoing Lagos international
tournament. |
| Atedo Peterside, CEO
StanbicIBTC Bank, at the ongoing Lagos Polo
Tournament |
|
03/02/2009
Last
match of the day,we saw defending champions El-Amin
carrying the day as they beat Katsina Hajara Farms 18-8
in a high-goal six chukka match. The El-Amin
team which boasts of such great players as
Nigeria's number one Bello Buba, his immediate younger
brother Hamisu Buba, Mohamed Ibrahim, and the argentine
wizkid Roman had a very smooth cruise over their
counterparts leaving no one in doubt that they remain
the team to beat in the highly coveted Majek cup .It was
indeed an absolute show of first class horsemanship and
unequalled mastery of the game. They walloped Katsina
Hajara Farms.
Bayo Amusan, the
President of the Lagos polo Club is a legend of Nigerian
polo, having won most of the high-goal titles available
in the country.
Bayo as he is
fondly called has played the game of kings for over two
decades and the passion for the game runs deep in the
family. His elder brother Tayo Amusan has seen it all
too both here in Lagos and around the country, where he
led the foremost Lagos Abakan in quest of polo titles
around the country.
Before ascending the exalted
position as the powerful president of the Lagos Polo
club, Bayo had left a mark in the noble game of kings
that made a landfall in Lagos some 105 years ago. To his
credit, Bayo who leads Lagos Excalibur/Thisday team in
the ongoing Lagos' 2009 International Polo Tournament,
has won all the major cups in Lagos, with the most
memorable being the Majekodunmi Cup in that titanic
final in 1994,which remains one of his memorable
moment of his career.
Last year, Bayo was
on duty, leading Lagos Ikoyi in their quest for the
Kaduna International Polo Tournament that stakes the 223
years old Georgian Cup as its biggest
prize.
The speaker of the
house of reps Rt Hon DIMEJI BANKOLE,
One of the
finest polo player of our time storms the lagos
international polo tournament. We recall that Early in
january 2009 at the TRAPCO New Year Tournament He
won the most
coveted cup.
Lagos
International Polo Tournament enjoys maximum security
and prompt medical services courtesy of Nigerian Police
and Lagos state medical team.
Kanyinsola
Owoeye aka KOINZ,Bola Adeyemi"thierry Henry" and
Farida,all members of the Ibadan dream team storm Lagos
international polo tournament.
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