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Every MTN/Kano
International Polo Tournament has a distinctive atmosphere, but this
year’s edition seems even more special than usual.

With sponsorship
topped by MTN’s N15m and others from Dantata Organizations, Dangote
Group of Companies, BUA and other blue chip firms, this year’s edition
almost certainly will surely be one to be remembered for a long time to
come.

According to the
Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer of MTN Nigeria, Bola Akingbade,
this year’s tournament will be memorable one in many ways. One of which
he said, is the fact that over forty-four top Polo teams from all major
polo clubs across the country have been confirmed for this year’s
International polo extravaganza galloping-off on May 29. He said: “With
the solid backing of MTN, the Kano Polo tournament has become
increasingly popular by the day. And in line with our position as an
organization which seeks to support the distinct lifestyle of its
various customers, we have put everything in place to make this year’s
edition one of the most memorable in years,” he said.

Akingbade said one
of the highlights of this year’s tournament is the ‘MTN Innovation
Day,’ which is a grand exhibition to showcase various life-enriching
innovative products and services, specifically designed to enhance the
life and business performance of the northern elite.

The ambitious teams
dominated by arch rivals and un-respecting new comers will compete for
honours in the four Nigeria Polo Association regulation cups and a
handful of special awards to go with them.

The major prizes
that traditionally set the tournament agog with excitements include the
glittering and highly sought-after Emir of Katsina Cup that has the
invincible Mohammed Babangida as the undefeated champions.

El-Amin favoured
EL-Amin are favoured to extend their winning run in the event’s biggest
reward against the never say die, Katsina Hajara Farms powered by
Bashir Yar’Adua and last year’s runners-up, Lagos Rubicon who have
vowed to end decades of Kaduna stranglehold on the event.

With the quartet of
Muktar Adama, Bello Buba, Ibrahim Mohammed and their big boss, Mohammed
Babangida on parade, all the smart bets are staked heavily in their
favour to extend their intimidating Kano record, but Hadi Sirika-led
Rubicon boasting Bashir Dantata, Jamilu Mohammed and Mamuda Shehu in
his line-up believes he would have the last laugh.

The other major
prize that is guaranteed to provide the electricity that would send
sparks flying in all directions, is the event’s second most wanted
trophy, the Dantata Cup, which attracts seven teams from Lagos, Kaduna
and Katsina, host Kano and possibly Ibadan to complete the fray.

Each team comes
with a distinct character and capability. Hosts Kano, which watched
from the sideline as Katsina Masanawa stole the Dantata Cup show last
year, has asked their teeming fans to prepare for the celebration of
their lives as Kano teams are set for another Dantata Cup victory this
year.

Kano, Kaduna favoured

Predictably, both
Kaduna and Kano teams have been rated joint – favourites for the
Dantata Cup, but last year’s surprised winners from Katsina are saying
very little and discerning pundits believe Masanawa has both the horse
power and the players to retain the Dantata crown.

Over a dozen
equally matched teams would be up against one another as they rough it
out in the unpredictable Dangote Cup glory. As in the Dantata cup,
competition here will be quite intractable to pick out early favourites
in this intermediate goal category.

Both Kaduna and
hosts, Kano with the highest number of entries and teamed by their
hottest low handicap players post the shortest odds for the cup. Teams
from Lagos, Bauchi, Port Harcourt and Yola are expected to give the
favourites a good run for their money.

Defending champions

Kaduna Keffi Ponies
still hold the ace after winning the Dangote title on first attempt
last year. Wadada and his boy enjoy the MTN polo glory and are not in
any hurry to loss their prizes title.

The low goal Audu
Bako Cup that completes the line-up of the major MTN polo prizes at
stake in Kano has the entire recipe for a war of attrition.

Last year, Ahmed
Dasuki’s Oho polo team produced a stunning performance, beating better
rated oppositions to clinch the prize played in memory of the late
governor of Kano State.

Most of the
promising teenagers who were playing their first major tournament
showed why they are students of the famed OHO Sport Academy. Their
performance displayed the depth of Nigerian polo.

A record seventeen
fairly matched teams and enough rookies to confuse the most eagle eyed
pundit, have entered for the Audu Bako Cup rumble this year and all
their games would be decided at the foremost Race Course in Kano.

It could all remain
muddled up until the very last stages but aficionados have been tipping
Kano, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Bauchi and Yola teams for their obvious
experience and mix of determination and horsepower. But that is not to
underestimate the anticipated vigorous challenge from Minna, Jos, Zaria
and Katsina.