Sports
AS Lagos Polo Tournament climaxed with the 2024 Silver Cup, Ibadan Durante on Sunday emerged winners in a fiercely contested final match on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five-member Ibadan Durante team defeated the Kano MSR sponsored by BUA Group 7 1/2 – 4.
The 2024 Lagos International polo tournament Silver Cup which is the 120th edition, was sponsored by Coronation Group Ltd, and had its grand finale at the Lagos Polo Club, SW Ikoyi, Lagos.
The Coronation Group Limited sponsored prestigious Lagos polo fiesta that marked its 120th anniversary, galloped with fanfare on Feb. 13 and ended on Feb. 18, at the historic Lagos Polo Club, Ribadu Road.
The well attended tournament had a record 14 teams from across all the major polo centres in the country that campaigned for honours in which Ibadan Durante emerged as the overall winners
An excited Captain of the Ibadan Durante, Rita Alakija, who was the only female in the team’s final, expressed joy winning the tournament in its remarkable year.
“I am excited winning this tournament this year and it’s remarkable for us winning because this is what we wanted.
“Our opponent gave us a brave fight, but we are able to get it right, ” she said.
The Most Valuable Player of the Tournament and member of Ibadan Durante, Carl Alakija, commended the organisers of the tournament adding that he was impressed with the growth of Polo sport in Nigeria.
“It’s really good to come and win here all the way from Ibadan and of course, we are proud winners.
“It’s a tough tournament for us, for me, I have been playing Polo since I was younger, but I played last in the tournament about four years ago.
“I am back to play alongside and support my sister, Rita and Carl, because we know that Kano MSR are tough to play against because they run well.
“Polo is fast improving in Nigeria with many upcoming players, all we can do is to give them chance or opportunities to impress, ” he said.
Sadiq Rabiu, Captain of Kano MSR, said that the winners deservedly won the cup.
“Our opponent played very well and they are deserving winners.
“The organisation of the tournament is very good and commendable, we now have lots of youngsters coming on board especially from Abuja and Lagos.
“We will make sure we encourage more people to come and enjoy and play polo in Nigeria, ” he said.
NAN reports that Carl Alakija won the Most Disciplined Player of the tournament while Koye Ige won the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament. (NAN)
19th February, 2024.
C.E.
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