2026 NATIONAL POLO TOURNAMENT KICKS OFF IN YOLA

2026 NATIONAL POLO TOURNAMENT KICKS OFF IN YOLA

By Ibrahim Saleh Bilal

The 2026 Annual National Polo Tournament has officially kicked off at the Lamido Aliyu Mustapha Polo Ground in Yola, Adamawa State, drawing polo players, enthusiasts and dignitaries from across the country.

The tournament, which commenced on September 8, 2026, will run through September 13, with participating teams set to battle for honours in one of the major polo competitions on the national calendar.

The official opening ceremony was performed by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Umaru Adamu Sanda, Ganwari of Ganye, who represented the Lamido Adamawa, Dr. Muhammad Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha. He was accompanied by Alhaji Dr. Aminu Abdulkadir Mbamba, Wali of Adamawa, and Alhaji Mustapha Muhammad Barkindo, Kaura of Adamawa.

The opening match of the tournament saw Bigi Rise take on Yola Fimbina in a highly anticipated encounter. Bigi Rise proved dominant throughout the match, recording an emphatic 8–2 victory to launch its tournament campaign on a strong note.

The opening ceremony attracted prominent dignitaries, including Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar Naibi, Acting Secretary of the Adamawa Emirate Council; Alhaji Mustapha Tahir, Jarma Adamawa; Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar, Sarki Matasa Adamawa; and Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu Mustapha, Sarki Sudan Adamawa and District Head of Nassarawo Abba.

With the competition continuing until September 13, teams are expected to intensify their pursuit of victory as the tournament unfolds, promising several days of competitive action and excitement for polo lovers in Yola and beyond.