The Ibadan Polo Club kicks off the 2025/2026 season with the Captains Cup on Sept 6–7, featuring six teams, star players, and top sponsors in Ibadan.
The prestigious Ibadan Polo Club is set to raise the curtain on its 2025/2026 polo season with the much-anticipated Captains Cup Tournament, scheduled to hold on Saturday, September 6, and Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the club’s iconic grounds on Eleyele Road, Ibadan.
This annual event, which serves as the season opener, is expected to light up Ibadan with two days of top-class polo action, attracting players, enthusiasts, and lovers of equestrian sport from across the country.
Known for its rich history and tradition, the Captains Cup has grown into one of the most exciting fixtures on Nigeria’s polo calendar.
The 2025 edition will feature six competing teams, drawn from leading polo clubs in Ibadan, Lagos, and Kano, making it a true showcase of national talent.
Polo fans can look forward to thrilling displays of speed, strategy, and horsemanship as some of the sport’s most talented players take to the field.
Among the star names expected to dominate the tournament are Ahmed Umar of the Ibadan Polo Club (IPC), rated at +3; Dantala Ibrahim of the Lagos Polo Club (LPC), also rated at +3; and Habib Buhari of the Kano Polo Club (KPC), rated at +2. Their presence promises matches of high intensity and world-class competition.
Daily matches will commence at 3:00 p.m., ensuring spectators are treated to an electrifying evening atmosphere.
The Ibadan Polo Club Grounds, admired for its picturesque setting and excellent sporting facilities, will once again provide the perfect stage for this grand occasion.
Beyond the action on the field, the event will further solidify Ibadan’s status as a hub for major sporting activities in Nigeria.
The tournament enjoys the backing of several high-profile sponsors, including Durante Feed Limited, Pop Cola, Chicken Republic, and Sooyah Bistro.
Their sponsorship reflects the increasing recognition of polo as a premium sporting and social activity, while also demonstrating the private sector’s commitment to fostering sporting excellence in Nigeria.
Speaking ahead of the competition, Carl Alakija, Captain of the Ibadan Polo Club, expressed his excitement about the new season.
He noted: “The Captains Cup marks the start of another exciting polo season. It is more than a competition – it is a celebration of the sport and the spirit of camaraderie that polo brings. We look forward to welcoming players, supporters, and partners for what promises to be a memorable weekend of polo in Ibadan.”
Beyond the pursuit of victory, the Captains Cup will serve as a rallying point for unity, friendship, and sportsmanship within Nigeria’s polo community. It sets the tone for the months ahead, ensuring that the 2025/2026 polo season begins on a truly spectacular note.
For further enquiries, interested individuals may contact the Ibadan Polo Club, Eleyele Road, Ibadan, or reach out via email at info@ibadanpoloclub.org.