The ancient city of Ibadan is set to witness a week-long celebration of sports, culture, networking and entertainment as the Ibadan Polo Club marks 120 years of polo in the city with its 2026 International Polo Tournament.
Speaking during a press briefing ahead of the tournament, President of the club, Mr. Abimbola Adeyemi, described the anniversary as a historic milestone not only for the club but also for the city of Ibadan and the Nigerian sporting community.
According to him, polo in Ibadan dates back to 1906 when the sport was introduced by colonial masters and soldiers before evolving into one of the city’s most prestigious sporting traditions.
“This year, we are celebrating 120 years of polo in Ibadan and it coincides with our international polo tournament. It is going to be a week-long experience filled with fun, exciting polo games and social activities,” he said.
The club leadership includes Vice President, Chief Olajuwon Subair, described polo as more than just a sport, he said the game provides a unique networking opportunity for influential individuals across Nigeria and beyond.
“Polo is the game of kings. It is a game that allows you to network with people of high level within and outside the country,” he said.
He added that the club is also committed to increasing female participation in the sport through a special women-focused exhibition event.
Subair disclosed that the club would host women from different parts of the country as part of efforts to encourage more women to embrace polo.
The Polo President, Mr Abimbola revealed that the competition will officially begin on Sunday, May 10, and will feature about 23 teams, comprising 11 home teams and 12 visiting teams from across Nigeria and beyond.
He explained that the tournament would feature three major trophies including the Ade Alakija Memorial Cup, Brigadier General Rotimi Cup and the prestigious Ibadan Cup.
According to him, activities lined up for the celebration include a grand opening ceremony themed “Welcome to Ibadan,” charity engagements, social events, exhibition matches for women, and a gala night to honour past presidents and long-standing members of the club.
“We are hosting players and guests from different parts of the world including Argentina, the United Kingdom and the United States. The idea is to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Ibadan to our visitors,” he said.
He added that the grand finale would hold on Sunday with finals of all competitions alongside presentation of sponsored trophies including the Governor’s Cup.
The organisers also announced ticket categories for spectators, with general admission fixed at ₦5,000 while VIP access will cost ₦10,000.
Special recognition was also given to the club’s longest-serving president and current adviser Mr Konyinsola Owoeye, for his contributions to sustaining the institution through different eras.
Highlighting the importance of the game, Owoeye noted that polo remains deeply associated with leadership, influence, and high-level networking.
“Polo is a game of kings. It is a game that allows you to network with people of high level within and outside the country,” he said.
Former Captain of the club, Mr. Edozie Onwuli, noted that sustaining polo in Ibadan for over a century remains a remarkable achievement.
“It is not just a normal tournament like others. This is 120 years of polo in Ibadan. It is not easy to sustain polo till this time,” he stated.
