One of the most prestigious polo competitions on the African continent, the Georgian Cup Tournament, is making a highly anticipated return after a one-year hiatus. Sponsored by Firstbank, this six-day tournament is now in its 103rd edition and officially kicked off at the Kaduna Polo Club on Monday, with the grand finale scheduled for the upcoming Sunday.
In the 102nd edition held in Kaduna back in 2021, the champions were the formidable team from Abuja Rubicon. The team, led by Hadi Sirika, included standout players like Bashir Dantata, Abdulmalik Gbadamosi, and the Argentine imports Tolito Ocampo and Silvestre Donovan. This year, the competition's return to the spotlight is nothing short of glamorous, thanks to the extensive rehabilitation and remodeling of the polo facility.
Taking the reins for the home-based riders is the accomplished four-goaler Bello Buba, while top professionals from Argentina are also participating in the tournament. The event will also prominently feature Kaduna El-Amin and Mohammed Babangida, the club's patron, who will be presenting a +19-goal team. El-Amin has an impressive record, having clinched the Georgian Cup a remarkable 15 times.
Adamu Attah, the Patron of Fifth Chukker, leads a strong +18-goal team, accompanied by the fast-riding Abdulrahman Mohammed (+3) and Fercundo Retamar (+6). Attah himself is a +2 goal player and has claimed the Georgian Cup nine times. Notable players like Abdulmalik Badamosi (+4) and Hadi Sirika (+18) are set to shine for Abuja Rubicon, alongside the former Aviation Minister, a +2 goaler himself. Abuja Rubicon boasts three Georgian Cup victories, while MaxAir/Lintex fields a +16-team with star player Manuel Crespo, known as the 'Assassin,' who is a +6-goal player.
Beyond the historic High-goal Georgian Cup, other coveted trophies up for grabs include the Emir of Katsina Cup (Medium goal) and the Imani Cup (Low goal). The Georgian Cup, generously donated by FirstBank in 1918, stands as the oldest and most esteemed polo trophy in West Africa. The Kaduna Polo Club, founded in 1918 by the British Army, continues to maintain its status as one of Nigeria's most prestigious clubs.
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