Abubakar, Atta, Laushi storm Keffi for top polo honours
The much anticipated season of bounty harvest in the exclusive world of polo has hit a high crescendo as the city of Nasarawa prepares to host its biggest polo fiesta.
Words reaching Polo Royals from the exotic abode of Keffi Polo Ranch venue of the grand fiesta, indicates that the organizers are set to up the stakes with a bumper package that would dwarf even the biggest polo grand slams in competition and pomp.
Polo Royals can authoritatively reports that leading polo patrons in the country, are set for a titanic sporting confrontation as the prestigious Keffi Ranch Polo Tournament gallops-off in grand style in the ancient kingdom of Keffi, Nassarawa State.
Each fortified with foreign professionals Adamu Atta’s Fifth Chuckker, Suleiman Abubakar’s Trappco Ranch, Mohammad Babangida’s Profile Group and Murtala Laushi’s Malcomines team, have been confirmed for the winner-takes-all grand event that attracts sixteen top polo teams across the country.
Tournament Manager, Bashir Mohammed who confirmed this to Polo Royals in Abuja, stated that the high-goal rumble will pitch former champions, Fifth Chuckker, Rubicon and defending champions, Keffi Ponys are vying the biggest prize, while Malcomines and Trappco lead a battery of ambitious teams eyeing the medium-goal Cup.
Proprietor of the high profile ranch and host, Honuorable Ahmed Wadada, former member, House of Representatives from Nasarawa State, reveal to Polo Royals that the ranch would continue to host tournament that empowers the youths in Nasarawa and support the less privilege in the society.
Wadada, who will be leading his keffi Ponys in their title defence, also confirms that certain percentage of the proceeds accruable at the tournament would be channeled to supporting orphans.
Before now, Wadada Education Foundation has been in the fore front boosting the educational sector of Nasarawa State through awards of scholarship, constructing and renovating classroom blocks in schools across the Nasarawa West senatorial Zone.
“It’s a huge pleasure to champion the birth of polo here and using a percentage of the proceeds to support orphans in Nasarawa State. I’ve always believe in giving back to the society and I’ve lucky that my little efforts have been yielding huge results.”
The race for the medium-goal prize promises to be a fierce one as six equally match teams with enough horse power to start up a Calvary are already perfecting their strategies ahead of the showdown. The teams include Malcomines from Jos who are still smarting from their title defence in Yola, Trappco and Profile group both from Kaduna. Others are Trademark, Badako, Ibah Oil & Gas and debuting A-Plus team from Lagos who are turning heads the exciting Nigerian polo circuit.
Deputy Tournament Manager, Babaduna Kaloma also disclosed that another six highly ambitious teams are lining up for the low-goal crown that has been the talk of the town since the draws of the tournament was confirmed. The contenders are Bichi Farms, Haske & Williams, Askira Farms, ASI Polo, Sultana Farms, Dogonyaro Farms and Tila Farms.
Other top prizes to cart home by the respective winners of the glamorous Keffi polo carnival include the Emir of Keffi Cup, Senate President Cup, Governor’s Cup, and Speakers’ Cup, among others. A lot of individual prizes are also lined up for players who will distinguish themselves during the weeklong grand festival.
“This is yet another bold statement of our resolve to contribute to the development of the noble game of kings as well as impact positively on the physical and mental wellbeing of the teeming youth in Nasarawa and sports lovers, we decided to host this event in support of the education of our youths.” Wadada pointed out.
Last year, the royal participation of the Lamido Adamawa, HRH Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa and the dominance of Kaduna teams, were the biggest highlights as the ancient kingdom of Keffi, celebrated one of its grandest moments, hosting the prestigious Keffi Polo Ranch Open Tournament, which came to colourful climax last weekend.
Founded few years back, the Keffi Polo Ranch is a private facility that represents the new in the old world of the equestrian sport of Polo in Nasarawa State and Nigeria as a whole. With many thoroughbred polo ponies stabled in the resort, Keffi Ranch & Polo Club sets a benchmark in excellence while maintaining its relaxed family orientated atmosphere.