Bauchi Polo 2017: Bauchi MA, Kaduna, Jos, Kano share top laurels

Stories by Joshua Odeyemi

Bauchi MA have won the Bauchi Polo 2017’s biggest prize, the Governor’s Cup which annually threw up new winners. The Governor Abubakar powered Bauchi MA made good their pretournament rating, defeating determined Kano Nakudu, to clinch their first Governor’s Cup on home soil.

In the tense finale watched by Bauchi State governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, and thousands of enthusiastic polo fans across the country, Nakudu who had lost their opening game by two goals, fought hard to level up in the grudge finale.

Nakudu’s hope of turning the table was brutally crushed by Bello Buba’s last minute penalty that was swept home by Hamisu, giving the home boys a hard earned victory.

“We watched them (Kano Nakudu) in their opening game and knew exactly how to neutralize their attack. Everyone played his role and our concentration and determination paid off at the end despite big fight back by our Kano opponents,” Buba explained.

Buba who was unanimously voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament was not done with the high-goal title, as he pivoted Jos Malcomines to their first Emir of Bauchi Cup victory.

Engineer Sani Umar’s Kano Susplan also enjoyed Podium celebration, thanks to their runners-up finish in the Emir of Bauchi Cup title.

Other winners of the prestigious 2017 Bauchi polo carnival include Kaduna wali Stable who powered through a crowded field to clinch the Sir Abubakar Tafewa Balewa Cup, Zaria West Stream Ponys, winners of the Sarkin Fulani Cup, and Datakku who won the Emir of Ningi Cup on first attempt.

Governor Abubakar who was the Chief Host of the festival, described the game of polo as one of the sporting activities for empowering the youths, ensuring peace and uniting people in the society.

He expressed satisfaction with the increased number of participating teams at the Bauchi 2017 and hope to see more teams next year for the 2018 edition.