World Military Polo’2018: NPF heaps accolades on Nigeria, others
Polo ruling authority, the Nigeria Polo Federation (NPF) has thumbed up the impressive performance of the Nigerian Military polo team and the idea behind the second ever Armed Forces International Polo Tournament holding in Abuja.
NPF President, Francis Ogboro who made this commendation in Abuja, saluted the Presidency for backing the event, the defence Minister, General Mansur Dan Ali for hosting and the Organizing Committee led by Gen. Junaid Bindawa for making the country a major force at the global stage of polo.
Ogboro also hailed other participating countries from Africa, Egypt and Morocco for making the continent proud, by winning their opening games. The pharaohs of Egypt defeated defending champions, India 11-9 1/2 in a cracking opening game of the military tournament, while the Eagles of Nigeria flew high above their United States of America (USA) opponents 12-6, to make the opening day a thrilling African day.
The Nigerian squad parading Lt.Col YB Bello, Inspector Lado Aliyu, Malik Badamasi and their skipper Col. Kapeh came back from 5-1 to draw level 5-5 in the second chukka and dominate throughout the tense match against the USA, much to the relieve of the jammed 12-12 polo ground in Gwarinpa.
The Moroccan Lions continued the African sunshine on the second day, edging USA 12-2 1/2 to stamp the African authority on the international military polo showdown which is being staged in Nigeria and indeed Africa for the second time.
The NPF President who was one of the Special Guests at the prestigious tournament that is also featuring military teams from the Asian polo tigers, India and Pakistan, also urge the teams to always play to the rules in the spirit of true sportsmanship.
“I want to thank all participating countries, all the players and polo buffs for their loyalty to the event and for making the 2018 Armed Forces international polo tournament one of the biggest and the most exciting polo festivals in the country, Africa and the in world,” Ogboro added.
He lauded the choice of 12-12 Polo & Turf Club as the venue, pointing out that the facilities at the turf are of international standard, re-emphasizing the commitment of NPF to continue to lift the noble to greater heights.
In his opening address, the Defense Minister who is the chief host of the international championship had hailed the Nigerian Army Polo Association and Organizing Committee for taking the centre stage to foster multilateral relationship through the noble game of polo.
He also thanked corporate organisations as well as individuals, among others for supporting the noble idea.
“All the countries that played today were fantastic and we all enjoyed the games, particularly in the second match where the Nigerian players were so impressive and in total control”, General Dan Ali enthused.
South Africa and other countries sent observer delegations to the international military game.