El-Amin Rewrites Georgian Cup History after 13th title
After more than a decade of peerless dominance, Nigeria’s reigning high-goal polo kings, EL-Amin raised the bar in Georgian Cup history, defeating archrivals, Rubicon and rewrite history as the first high –goal team ever, to win the oldest polo prize in the world a record thirteen times.
What appeared to be a relatively straightforward win on paper for EL-Amin proved the exact opposite as Rubicon refused to countenance the pre-match odds, providing a sterner test to the title holders, but couldn’t stop the Kaduna warriors who thunder away with a sensational 10-8 win.
Rubicon who had been building nicely, winning two major titles in Kano and at 5th Chuckker, leading to the Georgian Cup firestorm. History, however, was massively against them, with only one Georgian Cup win to their names in the last ten years.
“It feels fantastic,” EL-Amin Patron, Mohammad Babangida enthused moments after receiving the 400 years old trophy from Nigerian Polo Federation (NPF) President, Francis Ogboro at a colourful ceremony.
“It’s such a proud moment; it’s an historical event for Kaduna and polo across all of Nigeria and indeed Africa. We want to say a big thank you to our teeming fans around the world and to all those who believe in us.”
“We’ve created history today, not only for the players but also for the noble game and posterity. I am really glad we have managed to mentor the
We worked so hard and the conditions were really tough out there.”“We really wanted to win because the crowd was really behind us
future generation and reposition the game in our little way.” Babangida added.
The Georgian Cup final match was a thrilling encounter between the two rivals. Victory was definitely within Rubicon’s grasp leading 5-2 after three chukkas of the tense six chukkas clash. But EL-Amin dig deep into their chemistry and produced an inspired performance to mark their 21st anniversary full of pride and guts, with a thumping a victory.
“It’s unbelievable and an amazing feeling. I’m just so proud of my teammates. It’s a huge honour, declares,” Nigeria’s highest rated player and EL-Amin predator in chief, Bello Buba.
Their Argentine import Santiago Cernadas who has won a number the Georgian Cup caps with EL-Amin, was delighted with the record win, after the fiercely fought final game that left him with a bruised nose. “I’m so proud of the guys. “
“We worked so hard and the conditions were really tough out there.” “We really wanted to win because the crowd was really behind us. It worked well and Bello, Ibrahim and the rest of the guys truly reserve the victory,” The Argentine added.
It wasn’t only EL-Amin and their supporters that were celebrating at the prestigious Kaduna’2016 polo feats. Kaduna Sublime , Kano Titan and Bauchi Kari teams also enjoyed podium spotlight, thanks to their sterling performances that fetched them the Emir of Katsina Cup, the NCCE Cup and the EL-Amin Cup respectively.
A genuine competitiveness throughout with drama and excitement in equal measures, the 2016 Kaduna International Polo Tournament was a polo grand slam that refused to become predictable, even if the final standings suggested otherwise.
“On behalf of the Nigerian Polo Federation, I would like to congratulate EL-Amin for this historic achievement. This is another victory and a record they thoroughly deserved in a tough and highly competitive Nigerian polo scene, “NPF President, Francis Ogboro said in his closing remarks.