The National Sports Commission (NSC), on Monday, pledged to explore support for Nigeria’s hosting of the World Polo Championship qualifiers in Abuja, as part of efforts to use sports to drive economic growth and strengthen the country’s international image.

The championship qualifiers, scheduled for November 9 to 16, 2026, will take place at the Guards Polo Club in Abuja, with India, Iran, Pakistan and host nation Nigeria expected to participate.

Chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko, disclosed this in Abuja, when he received the Chairman of the Nigerian Polo Association (NPA), Suleman Abubakar, who briefed him on preparations for the championship.

Dikko said the commission would consider areas of support within its available resources, stressing that the tournament should be regarded as a national event requiring collaboration among relevant stakeholders.

The November championship is expected to bring international participants to Abuja and provide an opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its sporting capabilities while strengthening its position in international polo.

He said: “Part of our mandate is to use sports as a tool for economic advancement and to strengthen Nigeria’s global standing through sports.

“We do not see the hosting of sporting events as merely organising competitions. We also view them as economic opportunities. Whenever a polo tournament or any other sporting event takes place, we look beyond the athletes and officials directly involved.

“Thousands of people can benefit economically through employment and business opportunities. Even the person selling sweets, snacks or bottled water around the venue can make money from the event. That is part of the economic impact of sports.”

Dikko urged the polo association to submit its proposals and specific requests to enable the commission to assess possible areas of collaboration ahead of the tournament.

Speaking earlier, Abubakar said Nigeria’s selection to host the championship qualifiers represented a significant milestone in the development of polo in the country, which has a history spanning more than 120 years.

He attributed the development to the efforts of the association and the growing international recognition of Nigeria’s sports development initiatives.

According to him, the championship will feature India, Iran, Pakistan and host nation Nigeria.

Abubakar explained that Nigeria belongs to Zone E of the Federation of International Polo, which comprises 12 member countries, but only four have attained the level required to compete at the 14-goal handicap level.

He said the association was seeking the commission’s support, including institutional assistance and resources, to ensure the successful hosting of the competition.

Abubakar said: “We are here to brief the chairman and the commission on the championship and seek their support and cooperation in several areas. These include serving as the chief host of the event and providing institutional support and resources to promote a championship of national and international significance.”

The NPA chairman also disclosed plans to establish a National Polo Development Centre in Abuja, which he said would be developed into a centre of excellence for polo on the African continent.

He explained that the proposed facility would support training, talent development and international collaboration, while serving as a hub for advancing polo in Nigeria and across Africa.

He added that polo could provide opportunities for youth engagement and talent development, stressing the need to ensure that young people balance sporting activities with education.