•Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (m), presenting the Patrons Trophy to MRS’s Patron, Sayyu Dantata, while host, Prince Albert Esiri (l) applauds at the just concluded Abraka ’08 International Polo Tournament Photo: Sun News Publishing

More Stories on This Section

Sayyu Dantata’s high-flying Lagos MRS and Aqua Dulcis polo teams were the toast at the just concluded Abraka International Polo Tournament that came to an exciting climax over the weekend at the tranquil Abraka Turf and Country Club in Delta State.

MRS, who arrived on high, having won the high-goal event two years ago, outpaced Ashbert Raiders in the best of two games to cart home the glittering Patrons Trophy, while Aqua Dulcis came from behind to edge their Ashton Wells opponents in the race for the Conservations Cup.

The international event which, is revered for its competition and excitement, galloped off in grand style with Delta State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Professor Amos Utauma leading other top dignitaries to perform the opening ceremony.

The Abraka ’08, which was the 10th edition since the prestigious event galloped off, featured five teams parading top Nigerian players from across the country and their counterparts from Argentina in a three-day world-class polo that kept the crowd rooted to their seats from the outset to the end.
Sponsored by Ashton Wells, Hennessy, Barbedos Group and IBTC, the grand event lived up to its billing as the premier private polo fiesta in the country.

After the colourful opening ceremonies and the two pacy exhibition games that heralded the tournament, the real action got underway on the second day with two thrilling winners-take-all games that allowed the sparks flying in all directions of the exotic resort, surrounded by lush tropical jungle and the beautiful River Ethiope.

The day started with His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan performing the commissioning ceremony of a new facility on the turf. He later settled down for the games with a discerning crowd of special dignitaries that included the former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, a representative of the Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, traditional rulers, captains of industries, diplomats and polo enthusiasts.

Dr Uduaghan, who bowled in the first ball of the day, cheered every second of the games as Ashton Wells scored a late winner against Aqua Dulcis in the opening Conservation clash and nerve-wrecking Patrons’ Trophy explosion between Ashbert Raiders and MRS.
Displaying their traditional all-action style, MRS threw everything at their better-rated Ashbert Raiders opponents, who were trailing 3–1 by the end of the second chukker.

Backed by their teeming fans, the Ashbert quartet of Albert Esiri, Dawule Baba, Bruno Ciponeri and Babangida Hassan dug deep into their bags of tricks in an effort to catch up. However, their late rally was not enough to stop the rampaging Bashir Dantata, Gabriel Omale, Sayyu Dantata and Bashir Musa in MRS colours, who smashed their way into the final with a two-goal advantage.
The last day was a different ballgame entirely. With the Mother of the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, Nollywood star, Justus Esiri, joining the growing crowd, the stage was set for a grand finale as two glittering prizes were at stake.

In the first game, the Musa Yahaya-led Aqua Dulcis that paraded Wale Edun, Eddie Honah and Yinka Akinkugbe, exacted a sweet revenge against their Ashton Wells opponents, beating them 4–1 in an exciting final to cart home the Conservations Cup.

"We felt really bad losing to that Bruno’s late goal, we were not prepared to go through such a hallowing experience in the final. That explains why we were not prepared to let any scoring chance slip through our fingers," Yahaya, who pivoted Aqua Dulcis attack declared moments after the final.
While Yahaya’s effort at turning the table against the Victor Fingesi, Tony Isodje, Mamuda Shehu and Adense Oruwaariye paid off nicely, the same could not be said of Dawule Baba, who probably losing his first final in Abraka in the last decade.

Dawule, who remains a household name in Abraka, had looked forward to another upset, but from the moment the Mother of the Dein of Agbor bowled in the ball, MRS left no one in doubt about their intention.
They came in front right from the bell and remained firmly in control till the final hooter was sounded to bring the curtain down on the four hotly contested chukkers high-goal final game that produced 10 great goals.

"Abraka has always been one of our best hunting ground and this edition has been special," MRS Patron, Sayyu Dantata declared shortly after receiving his Patrons Trophy from General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
"Having won the Patrons Trophy a record six times, I must say it has been great experiences all the way and we are looking forward to next year," he added in a teased reaction to his team’s impressive performance.

Most of the guests and players spoken to describe the Abraka ’08 experience as a great one whose memories would linger for months to come. While most of the players indicated their intentions to play at the turf next year, the Delta State government has pledged to partner with the organisers in taking the tournament to the next level.

The resort is set on several hectares of lush cultivated tropical gardens, designed 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.