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From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
Polo players and enthusiasts from across Nigeria are expected to converge on Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, from Sunday for the 2026 Nigerian Polo Association (NPA) Ibadan International Polo Tournament at the Ibadan Polo Club, Eleyele.
The weeklong tournament, scheduled to hold from May 10 to 17, will also commemorate the 120th anniversary of polo in Ibadan.
Speaking with journalists on Friday, the Vice-President of the club and Chairman of the Tournament Committee, Chief Olajuwon Subair, said this year’s edition promises to be more exciting and entertaining because of the historic milestone being celebrated.
According to him, teams from major polo clubs across the country, including Port Harcourt, Jos, Kaduna, Katsina and Abuja, are expected to participate in the annual competition.
Subair noted that spectators and lovers of the game would enjoy thrilling displays from top polo players throughout the tournament, alongside other side attractions such as musical entertainment.
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President of the club, Bola Adeyemi, disclosed that arrangements had been concluded to introduce a new prize, the “120th Anniversary Cup,” in honour of the celebration.
He added that other trophies to be competed for include the GOC Cup, Professor Jide Owoeye Cup, HST Cup and Shoreline Cup, as well as several special prizes and awards.
Adeyemi further stated that guests, players and polo enthusiasts would be entertained at a gala dinner and awards night dedicated to honouring individuals who have contributed significantly to the growth of polo in Ibadan.
Tracing the history of the game in the city, he explained that polo was first played in Ibadan in 1906 following the establishment of the Ibadan Polo Club under British colonial authority.
He said the game, which started as a recreational activity among colonial elites, had over the decades evolved into a major cultural and sporting institution in Nigeria, with the Ibadan tournament becoming one of the most prominent events on the national polo calendar.
“Ibadan polo tournaments, over the years, have set unparalleled level of quality as one of the most thrilling polo events in the country, and we are putting together yet another topnotch arrangement which will make the 2026 tournament the most memorable,” Adeyemi said.
