The Nigerian Polo Association (NPA) has announced that it will host the World Polo Championship qualifiers in Nigeria for the first time in over 120 years. The event will take place in Abuja from November 9-16, 2026, at the Guards Polo Club. This hosting right was granted to Nigeria due to the efforts made by the NPA and the country as a whole. The NPA Chairman, Suleman Abubakar, made the disclosure during a courtesy call on the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko.
According to Abubakar, the hosting right is a recognition of Nigeria's progress in polo development. He noted that Nigeria, along with India, Iran, and Pakistan, are the only four countries in Zone E of the Federation of International Polo to have achieved a graded handicap of 14 handicaps. Zone E consists of 12 member-countries, and Nigeria's qualification is a significant milestone. Abubakar emphasized the importance of briefing the NSC Chairman to ensure the Commission's assistance and support for the event.
The event is expected to promote polo in Nigeria and attract international attention. Abubakar highlighted the need for considerable resources to help the NPA promote the event, which is of national and international significance. He also mentioned that the NPA is considering opening a youth academy to develop young players in the sport. This initiative aims to nurture talent and produce world-class polo players.
The NSC Chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, assured the NPA of the Commission's support. He congratulated the NPA on getting the opportunity to host the international polo tournament and emphasized that it is a Nigerian event, not just an NPA event. Dikko noted that the Commission will provide necessary support within its limited abilities to ensure the event's success.
Dikko also highlighted the economic benefits of hosting the event. He stated that the tournament is not just about hosting an event but also an economy in itself. The Commission is eager to see how it can provide support to make the event a brilliant success. The NSC's support is crucial in ensuring that the event is well-organized and successful.
The Administrative Manager of the NPA, Abari Anama, shared the association's plans to develop young players. She mentioned that the NPA is considering opening a youth academy to develop young players in the sport, similar to Campioso or Valentina, who started as a farm boy and now sits in the Royal Box in the British Games International. This initiative aims to promote polo in Nigeria and produce world-class players.
The World Polo Championship qualifiers will feature Nigeria, India, Iran, and Pakistan competing at the Guards Polo Club in Abuja. The event is a significant milestone for Nigeria's polo development and an opportunity for the country to showcase its capabilities in hosting international events. The NPA and NSC are working together to ensure the event's success.
Key points
- Nigeria will host the World Polo Championship qualifiers in Abuja from November 9-16, 2026.
- The event will feature Nigeria, India, Iran, and Pakistan competing at the Guards Polo Club in Abuja.
- The NPA is considering opening a youth academy to develop young players in the sport.
