Bello Buba still number 1 in latest Polo rankings

Polo star, Bello Buba has retained his status as the best polo player in Nigeria. Buba who has been at the top echelon of Nigerian polo for almost a decade now, was again named the highest rated player with four goals handicap.

In total, 26 players from various polo clubs across the country had their handicaps, with majority having their handicaps raised to the next level.

Among those whose handicap were raised are patron of Almat Group polo team, Maurice Ekpenyong whose handicap was raised to zero.

Other players from Guards Polo Club, Abuja who were raised by one goal, are Honourable Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, Col Y.B. Bello, Idris Badamasi, SP Usman Michika, Abu Ibrahim, Aminu Gargo and Kabiru Bage.

The committee who confirmed that the new handicaps take immediate effect, raised the handicaps of three players from Maiduguri Polo Club, two from Sokoto Polo Club, four from Zaria Polo Club and two from Minna Polo Club.

While Kaduna Polo Club with nine players, has the highest number of new handicaps, Jos Polo Club has one player, while Bauchi Polo Club and Katsina Polo Club have four and three respectively.

Nigeria Polo Federation (NPF) President, Francis Ogboro who is also the Handicapping Committee Chairman, described the new ratings as a demonstration of the growing popularity of Nigerian polo on the global scene.

Ogboro maintained that the noble game in the country had been on the upward projectile internationally since the Nigerian national team returned to the world stage at the Polo World Cup in Malaysia six years ago.

“Don’t forget that the Nigerian team was singled out by FIP for their unique sportsmanship and exemplary discipline in Malaysia and Bello who was part of that contingent shone brightly throughout the tournament,” Ogboro pointed out.