Niger govt to construct Polo field in Minna

Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago has said that his administration will construct a more befitting polo field in the state to enhance the sport.

The Governor gave the promise at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Minna National Polo Tournament, sponsored by the State Government in conjunction with the Minna Polo Club.

Governor Umaru Bago who described Polo as a game full of entertainment and excitement, disclosed that the new polo field would make the sport more attractive, especially for younger generations.

He also said the state intends to organise a polo tournament that will attract high-ranking polo players to the state.

The Governor thereby congratulated the winners of all the cups competed for at the tournament and appreciated the organisers for putting up the great event.

Four cups were contested: the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Cup, which was between Malcomines and El-Amin Polo Club, where the latter emerged victorious with four goals against three and a half after a tight encounter.

The Governor’s Cup was won by El-Amin team B, who defeated the Profile Polo team, while the Nigerian Army Polo team defeated Kaduna Great Skills Academy by eight goals to four to clinch the Emir of Minna Cup.

Similarly, Iyatu Farms Polo team beat Minna Bago team by five goals to four to take home the Gen. Hassan Usman Memorial Cup, while the newly introduced Dr Aisha Babangida Beginners Cup, was won by the Phoenix team who beat El-Amin School by four goals to nothing.

Trophies were presented to all the winning teams, as well as individual awards given to outstanding players from all categories of the games played.

Meanwhile, the event had notable guests in attendance including the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umaru Faruk Bahago, the Dan Jarman Adamawa, Mustapha Tahir who represented the Lamido of Adamawa, the National President, Nigeria Polo Federation, Nura Sani Kangiwa, and some top government officials among others.