The 2016 Kaduna International Polo Tournament was a polo grand slam both on and off the pitch and after eight days of intense games and politics, the status quo remains.

Incumbent President of the games’ ruling authority, the Nigerian Polo Federation (NPF) Francis Ogboro who has taken Nigerian polo to global heights since taking over the leadership six years ago, defeated arch rival, Suleiman Abubakar  in a closely fought polls to win a third consecutive tenure.

“In accepting this charge of leading the federation, I once again pledge to rededicate myself to the service of polo,” Ogboro declared in his acceptance speech, moments after receiving his Certificate of Return from the Electoral Committee Chairman, General M. A Garba (rtd).

“This is a special game that fosters unity, confidence, team spirit and discipline. Polo is a great sport that can achieve anything it wants if we all set our minds to it. I therefore urge everyone to join hands with the new management committee and promote the noble game and reposition Nigerian polo globally.” The former captain of the foremost Lagos Polo Club added.

Other elected officers at the November 3, 2016 polls include Dahiru Bagiwa of Katsina polo Club and Tanko Ayuba of Yola Polo Club who were elected first and second Vice Presidents respectively. Mohammed Baba Kyari was returned as the Secretary General of the federation.

With a surging crowd watching on at a packed legendary Murtala Mohammed Polo Ground, Nigeria’s polo kings, EL-Amin successfully defended the Georgian Cup title they won for the twelfth time last year, defeating arch rivals, Abuja Rubicon in Kaduna.

In doing so, the Kaduna based polo stars became the only Nigerian high-goal polo team in the over a century history of the competition to win the one of the biggest and the most revered polo cups in Africa, a record thirteen times.

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“It feels fantastic,” EL-Amin Patron, Mohammad Babangida enthused moments after receiving the 400 years old trophy from the NPF President, Ogboro at a colourful ceremony witnessed by royal fathers, governors, business gurus, diplomats and societal élites.

“It’s such a proud moment; it’s an historical event for Kaduna and polo across Nigeria and indeed Africa. We want to say a big thank you to our teeming fans around the world and to all those who believe in us,” he added.

Other winners at the glamorous polo fiesta include Suleiman Bello’s Kaduna Sublime, Tajudeen Dantata’s Kano Titan and Bauchi Kari teams.

Their sterling performances fetched them the Emir of Katsina Cup, the NCC Cup and the EL-Amin Cup respectively.

“On behalf of the Nigerian Polo Federation, I would like to congratulate EL-Amin and other proud winners on their achievements. These are victories they thoroughly deserved in a tough and highly competitive Nigerian polo scene.” Ogboro declared.

“I would also like to thank our esteem sponsors, partners and the Kaduna Polo Club for hosting such a prestigious tournament, not only in 2016 but also for almost century now.” The polo boss added in his closing remarks.