Kano’2017 Polo: Lintex, Almat, Fas Agro Sweep Top Laurels
Dantex, Keffi Ponys finish high
The parade of Kings that spread excitements across the country and beyond came to a flourishing climax over the weekend, with teams from Abuja, Lagos, and host Kano, sweeping the four top prizes in an impressive campaign.
Over twenty teams from across the country clashed in the ten days of unforgettable polo extravaganza that offered a handful of subsidiary prizes, making the polo event one of the richest and the most attended galloping fiesta in the country.
Showcasing over 35 games of high class polo that kept the crowded stands permanently on its feet, the prestigious event lived up to its traditional pomp and pageantry both on and off the pitch.
By the time the battle weary players and horses make their way home, four new champions were added to the exclusive list of proud winners of the prestigious fiesta.
The Emir of Kano Cup classic that brought down the curtain on the international polo festival was a befitting climax to a hugely successful polo extravaganza, needing a toss to decide the champion, after hard fighting Keffi Ponys battled Lintex to a 6-6 thriller.
Both former champions had galloped off their campaign with 5-5 score draw in their opening game, sending the event’s biggest polo title in Kano, the Emir of Kano Cup to cliff hanging winner-takes- all grand finale.
Honourable Aliyu Wadada led his top firing squad parading top rated Bello Buba, Ibrahim Mohammed and Rabiu Mohammed in the firestorm final against Lintex, boosting Abba Dantata, Bashir Dantata, Idris Badamasi and Jamilu Mohammed.
With visibility fast fading on Usman Dantata Polo Ground venue of the festival and both teams scoring six goals each by the end of the six chukka cracker, the organizer had to decide the 2017 Kano polo champion on toss that went in favour of Lintex.
‘We are never afraid of any challenge no matter how intimidating the oppositions look, because we have all it takes to win,” revealed Lintex Captain, Jamilu Mohammed. “Our thanks go to our teeming fans for urging us on throughout the campaign and of course, to Kano Polo Club for hosting such a big and exciting tournament.”
The event’s second biggest prize, Dantata Cup was snatched by the sensational Maurice Ekpenyong powered Almat Group Polo team who extended their winning runs to five tournaments.
Complete with Nura Suleiman, Idris Badamasi, their Patron, Maurice and Franciso Puncho Almat shocked four other experienced oppositions for their first Dantata Cup title.
Kano Dantex led by the Chairman of Kano polo, Bashir Dantata who was playing his 40th consecutive Kano polo tournament, finished runners up edging Titan, Kano Terra and Port Harcourt teams in the ace.
Other big winners include Murtala Dankaka’s Fas Agro that added Sir Muhammadu Sanusi Cup to the Dangote Cup win, and Lagos Awolowo who battle through a 2 team strong field, to win the MRS Cup.
The grand polo festival was witnessed by the Emirs of Kano, Katsina, Daura, Bauchi, National Assembly members, business gurus, diplomats and thousands of polo buffs who throng the Usman Dantata Ground on a daily basis.
“We are particularly thankful for Emir of Kano and our Grand Patron, HRH Lamido Sanusi (11) for his royal support over the years. We are also indebted to our numerous sponsors and partners for their unflinching supports that ensure the successful hosting of this prestigious polo tournament, “the Kano polo boss, declared.