2nd Dawule Baba memorial polo tourney blasts off in Kaduna
The Kaduna Polo Club has concluded arrangements to host the second edition of the Dawule Baba Memorial Polo Tournament in honour of one of Nigeria’s most celebrated polo icons, Dawule Baba, who passed away last year in Egypt. Popularly known in polo circles as the “Polo Professor,” Dawule Baba died at the age of 66. […]
Chairman Kaduna Polo Club Board of Trustees, Col A.D. Umar (rtd) middle presents the Dawule Baba trophy to the Captain of Dee Bee Polo team and President of the Kaduna Polo Club, Mohammad Babangida during the closing ceremony of the inaugural Dawule Baba polo fiesta.
The Kaduna Polo Club has concluded arrangements to host the second edition of the Dawule Baba Memorial Polo Tournament in honour of one of Nigeria’s most celebrated polo icons, Dawule Baba, who passed away last year in Egypt.
Popularly known in polo circles as the “Polo Professor,” Dawule Baba died at the age of 66. Until his passing, he served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Kaduna Polo Club and remained a respected ambassador of the sport both within and outside Nigeria.
The four-day memorial tournament is scheduled to hold from June 11 to 14, 2026, at the polo grounds of Murtala Mohammed Square, Kaduna. Teams will compete in the high-goal, medium-goal and low-goal categories, while additional attractions include the Clearwater Youth Challenge, Beginners’ category and Veterans’ games featuring players who shared the field with the late polo legend during his distinguished career.
According to a statement issued by the Tournament Committee, the event is designed to celebrate the enduring legacies of the late polo patron, who was widely admired for his contributions to the club and the development of polo.
The statement added that “His invaluable commitment and contribution to the greatness of the club and development of the noble game in Kaduna, across the country and globally, cannot not be quantified.”
Organisers disclosed that although the tournament will feature mainly Kaduna-based teams and players, participation is open to clubs and players from across the country. More than 14 teams are expected to compete for honours.
“In honor of a legend, the four days polo fiesta is open to everyone, polo patrons, players, teams and polo enthusiasts who wish to join us in event of prayers, polo, and remembrance for Dawule Baba, The Teacher,” the statement added.
First Vice President of Kaduna Polo Club and Chairman of Clearwater Polo Farm, General Kapeh Kazir, said the late polo ambassador’s contributions deserve to be celebrated and preserved for future generations.
“Teacher who was part of our team often gave us technical advice and encouragement even before he passed on, and by sponsoring the Clearwater Beginners Cup and the Clearwater Youth Challenge Cup, we are preserving his legacies of training, mentoring, and encouragement of upcoming players, among others.”
The inaugural edition of the memorial tournament was highlighted by the unveiling of the Dawule Baba Polo Field, a lasting tribute to the Nigerian polo ambassador.