Katsina is preparing for the 2026 Katsina International Polo Tournament, with the major annual event set to run from August 22 to 29.
A major tournament on the horizon
Katsina Polo Club president Alh. Sanusi Kabir Usman (Karashin Katsina) said this year’s tournament is expected to be particularly significant after the success of the 2025 edition, which marked 100 years of the Nigeria Polo Association (NPA). The association was founded in 1925 by the late Emir of Katsina, Sir Usman Nagogo.
Funding and backing are coming from the Katsina State Government, leading companies and private supporters. The Sir Usman Nagogo Polo Ground is also undergoing substantial improvements before the competition begins, adding to expectations that the festival will rank among the most impressive in recent years.
Club chairman Muhammadu Usman Sarki and tournament manager Umar Kabir said the planning team is determined to produce a meeting capable of matching the centenary edition and exceeding earlier tournaments in quality as the national polo circuit returns to the “Home of Nigerian Polo.”
All affiliated polo clubs across Nigeria have been invited. Organisers expect more than 20 teams, including representatives from Kaduna, Kano, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Yola, Jos and Bauchi, as well as several teams based in Katsina. Players, spectators and guests have been promised eight days of elite polo and hospitality.
Trophies and honours
The Nigerian Cup will be the principal prize on offer after reaching its own 100-year milestone last year. The General Hassan Usman Katsina Cup is regarded as the next most prestigious award and commemorates the first African to be appointed to the Federation of International Polo (FIP).
The remaining major competitions will include the Muhammadu Dikko Memorial Cup, President’s Cup, Governor’s Cup, Wazirin Katsina Cup, Muhammadu Buhari Cup and Talba Cup. Personal awards will also recognise the players and other participants who make notable contributions during the tournament.
Remembering the 2025 edition
Katsina’s teams controlled much of last year’s festival. Katsina Max Air, Katsina Aldusar, Katsina Danmarna and Mangal Cement each claimed major honours during eight days that combined high-level sport with hospitality, community festivities and intense competition.
Among the strongest visiting teams were representatives from Kano, Lagos and Port Harcourt. Lagos Falgate Abure, captained by newly elected Lagos Polo Club president Adeyemo Alakija, secured the Muhammadu Kabir Memorial Cup. Port Harcourt YB and Kano Pop Cola finished as joint winners of the Muhammadu Buhari Cup.
The Wazirin Katsina Cup was decided in a demanding low-goal final between local rivals Katsina AK Oil & Gas and Katsina Halima Uku, with Katsina AK Oil & Gas emerging victorious. The result completed a commanding performance by the home sides at a festival that also attracted professional players from Argentina and Iran.
