More than 40 sides from around Nigeria, including leading teams from Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt as well as over 15 Kaduna-based outfits, are set to converge for the 2026 Kaduna International Polo Tournament.
Record 14-time winners EL-Amin are refining their preparations for another title pursuit, while fellow heavyweights Fifth Chukkers are also gearing up for an event expected to rank among the toughest editions in several decades.
In a first across the competition’s more than 100-year history, the tournament will run for 10 consecutive days at the historic Murtala Muhammed Square Polo Grounds. Professionals arriving from Argentina, Europe and South Africa will join Nigeria’s foremost patrons and players in the programme.
Kaduna Polo Club president Mohammad Babangida said sponsors, visitors and tourists can expect exceptional entertainment and value as arrangements approach their final phase. Attention is also turning to the customary Cheque Presentation Night, when major corporate backers, state governments and private contributors confirm fresh support for the festival.
First Bank Nigeria Plc, the tournament’s long-serving sponsor, will again lead the corporate support. The bank has maintained its backing of the Georgian Cup, the trophy first introduced in 1919 and regarded as Africa’s oldest and most prestigious polo prize.
Organising Committee chairman General Kapeh Kazir said teams will contest the Georgian Cup, now in its 105th year, alongside the Emir of Katsina Cup, Imani Cup and EL-Amin Cup. The schedule also includes the General Hassan Katsina Cup, Sardauna Cup, Dangote Cup and Argentine Ambassador Cup, while social gatherings and other activities away from the field will take place during both phases of the festival.
The 2026 tournament follows a successful 2025 edition in which EL-Amin secured their 14th Georgian Cup triumph and Kaduna Kangimi lifted the Imani Cup. This year’s event will also place focus on emerging talent after promising displays from young players including Amir Kapeh Kazir and Abdulrazak Jamilu Mohammed.
