Ibadan Polo Club celebrates 120 years of polo heritage with the 2026 National Tournament featuring 23 teams, Women in Polo match, and thrilling finals.
The historic Ibadan Polo Club grounds are set to come alive once again as horses and riders prepare for the much-anticipated 2026 edition of the National Polo Association Ibadan Polo Tournament, scheduled to run from, May 10th to Sunday, May 17th.
This year’s event holds special significance as the sport of polo celebrates 120 years of existence in Ibadan, underscoring the city’s enduring legacy as a pacesetter in Nigerian polo.
Once regarded as an elite pastime introduced during colonial times, polo has grown into a vibrant and rich sporting tradition deeply embedded in Ibadan’s cultural and recreational landscape.
Abimbola Adeyemi, President of the Ibadan Polo Club, expressed pride in the sport’s evolution.
“The sport of polo has evolved into a rich sport within its 120 years in Ibadan,” Adeyemi stated, highlighting how the game has expanded beyond its exclusive origins to attract a broader community of enthusiasts, players, and spectators while maintaining its core values of skill, horsemanship, and strategy.
Tournament Chairman and Club Vice President Mogaji Olajuwon Subair revealed that the week-long tournament promises excitement both on and off the field.
According to Subair, organizers have lined up numerous side attractions to engage fans, families, and visitors throughout the duration of the event.
The competition will feature three prestigious cups: the Ade Alakija Memorial Cup, the Brigadier General Rotimi Cup, and the Ibadan Cup.
In a landmark addition to the programme, the club has organized a special “Women In Polo” exhibition match on Wednesday, May 14th.
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The initiative aims to celebrate and promote female participation in the traditionally male-dominated sport.
The grand finale, which includes the decisive matches for all cups as well as the coveted Governor’s Cup, is slated for Sunday, May 17th, expected to draw a large crowd to the polo grounds.
This year’s tournament has attracted a strong field of 23 teams, with 11 of them being home-based outfits from Ibadan.
The impressive turnout reflects the growing popularity of polo in the region and the high regard in which the Ibadan Polo Club is held nationally.
The event is expected to showcase top-notch horsemanship, fierce competition, and the unique camaraderie that polo is known for.
Organizers have assured that adequate security and hospitality arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and memorable experience for all participants and spectators.
As the tournament approaches, Ibadan is once again poised to re-echo its status as a pacesetter in Nigerian polo.
The 120-year milestone not only commemorates a rich history but also signals a promising future for the sport in the city and beyond.
Ticket prices have been put at ₦5000 for regular and ₦10,000 for the VIP experience.
Polo enthusiasts and the general public are encouraged to mark their calendars for what promises to be a thrilling week of world-class polo action in the heart of Ibadan.
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