Over 28 teams jostle for honours as Abuja Carnival Polo Tournament begins

Over 28 polo teams have converged on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to battle for honours at the 2024 Abuja Carnival Polo Tournament holding at the Guards Polo Club.

The teams are vying for four prestigious trophies, including the Guards Challenge, Legislative Shield, FCT Minister’s Cup and the President’s Cup, which is the crowning event.

Speaking on the carnival at the weekend, First Vice President of Abuja Guards Polo Club, Mustapha Junaidu, expressed confidence in the tournament’s success.

He said: “It’s going to be a thrilling polo experience for both lovers of the game and our sponsors. Our commitment to this tournament remains strong and we are absolutely passionate about the tournament.

“I want to use this medium to thank our teeming sponsors and partners, and assure them that they will get value for their investment because the tournament will provide the right atmosphere for their business.”

Also speaking on the competition, Captain of the Abuja Guards Polo Club, Nasiru Lukat, said the event would light up Abuja, emphasising the meticulous preparation for the event.

“We started today, and we have a lot of hope. Last year we had 29 teams, while this year we have 28 teams. So, we have four cups. This year we are going to play the President’s Cup, in which we have two teams, Rubicon team, which is a home-based team, Mangal Cement, which is also a home-based team.”

“The second cup is the Legislative Shield, which we have a total of four teams, as well as members of Guards Polo Club, apart from few visiting players, who are here without their horses. The other cup we have is the FCT Minister’s Cup.”

He said that the Abuja Carnival Polo Tournament, established in 2009, complements the Abuja City Carnival, a celebration of Nigeria’s cultural diversity. Featuring sporting events, parades, and cultural displays, it underscores the unity of the nation.

Club President Abdullahi Ibrahim captured the essence of the event: “The Carnival Polo Tournament blends tradition with modernity, offering an environment where excellence and creativity thrive. It’s also a platform for our partners to share in this vision.”