By Rotimi Famakin
The 2026 Ibadan international polo tournament has officially ended with six teams competing for the final of the Olubadan, Rotimi and Ade Alakija memorial cups at the polo field, Eleyele.
Ibadan DFL won the Olubadan cup by 7.5 goals to defeat Lagos A1 Shoreline which had 7 Goals
Also Kano Ibah oil and gas claimed the Rotimi cup finals after scoring 5 goals against its opponent Lagos Volta which scored 4 goals.
Kano Golden Abure won Ade Alakija Cup with 6.5 after defeating Lagos Bemil Security that scored 3 goals.
Commenting on the final tournament, the chief host, who is also the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, said 120 years of polo deserve celebration.
He urged residents in the state to sustain their support for polo sport.
“120years in the life of a nation is not small, not to talk of the life of a club. This club has been on for 120 years. Actually, in the 70s, 80s, I was frequent in this place because I have some friends who were good polo players.”
So today, now we have just changed the club from Ibadan Polo Club to Olubadan Cup, and I’m very grateful for that because it was in my honour and I’m very grateful for the honour, and I’m here to give my solidarity to them.” Says the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Oba Ladoja spoke further, “My message is that all of us should keep supporting all sports. What is bad in bringing back racing? You know the race course was for all races. So we have been trying to bring back all the glories of Ibadan as we are going on”.
In an interview, the President, of Ibadan polo club, Mr Bola Adeyemi said the tournament was hitch free saying stakeholders including sponsors had value for their money.
“I felt elated. It was such a great sight. It’s a great day of fun. We thank God also for an accident-free tournament. We all turned out well. Our sponsors got good value for their money, and they are so happy with us. The players had an exciting time here with us. Our spectators were so great. We thanked everyone for the energy they gave to this event and we are all happy. We all come through to a good”, Mr Adeyemi said.
The polo tournament, which started on Sunday, the, 10th of May this year attracted six clubs drawn from Lagos, Ibadan, Kano, Porthacourt.
Edited by Olaitan Oye-Adeitan
