Katsina and Yola will host the next two stops on Nigeria’s 2026 National Polo Tour, which resumes after the annual tournament in Bauchi and the international polo fiesta in Minna.
Katsina’s international tournament is scheduled for 22–29 August at the Sir Usman Nagogo Polo Ground. More than 20 teams from around Nigeria are expected to take part in the seven-day competition.
Quick facts
- Katsina tournament: 22–29 August at Sir Usman Nagogo Polo Ground
- Yola tournament: 8–13 September
- Katsina headline trophies: Nigerian Cup and General Hassan Cup
- Yola headline trophies: Governor’s Cup and Lamido Cup
- Kaduna festival: expected in early November
Katsina Polo Club Life President Prince Sanusi Kabir said sponsors, competitors, dignitaries and supporters were in line for a memorable tournament. The event is traditionally held under the patronage of the Emir of Katsina and the Life Chairman of Nigerian Polo, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, with support from the Katsina State Government and corporate sponsors.
Tournament Manager Prince Umar Kabir Usman said the organising committee was working towards an event that would “deliver on all fronts” as the national circuit returns to Katsina.
The prize list features the Nigerian Cup, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, and the General Hassan Cup. Other major trophies are the President Cup, Governor’s Cup, Wazirin Katsina Cup, Muhammadu Dikko Memorial Cup and Talba Cup, while individual honours will recognise the tournament’s leading performers.
The circuit will then travel to Adamawa State for the Yola international tournament from 8–13 September. The competition will be staged under the auspices of the Lamido Adamawa, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa.
Yola Polo Captain Asharaf Yahaya and club secretary Usman Saa’d said preparations were already in progress in the state capital.
Yola’s principal prizes include the Governor’s Cup and the Lamido Cup, the oldest trophy in the event’s collection at more than 90 years old. The INTEL Cup, ABTI Cup, General Hassan Cup, A.A. Mustapha Cup and M.C. Tahir Cup are also up for competition.
After Yola, the national tour is expected to head to Kano for the 2026 Kano international polo festival. The circuit will then move to Kaduna, home of the Georgian Trophy, for the Kaduna international festival in early November.
Photo caption: Abuja Rubicon Polo patron Senator Hadi Sirika turns with the ball during a Nigerian Cup match in Katsina, which will host its 2026 international tournament from 22 August.
