Jos Malcomines, others set for fierce 2025 Bauchi polo showdown

The 2025 Bauchi Annual Polo Tournament is set to gallop off in grand style, as over 20 elite teams from across Nigeria converge on Bauchi for a week of thrilling competition from July 22 to 26 at the historic Col. A.D. Umar Polo Ground. Powered by the Bauchi State Government alongside corporate and individual sponsors, […]

The 2025 Bauchi Annual Polo Tournament is set to gallop off in grand style, as over 20 elite teams from across Nigeria converge on Bauchi for a week of thrilling competition from July 22 to 26 at the historic Col. A.D. Umar Polo Ground.

Powered by the Bauchi State Government alongside corporate and individual sponsors, the festival promises to be one of the most exciting in decades. Reigning champions and five-time title holders, Jos Malcomines, led by Murtala Laushi, headline a formidable lineup that includes strong contenders from Kaduna, Kano, Yola, and host team Dokaji.

The tournament will see fierce rivalries reignited, particularly between Malcomines and their Kaduna and Kano adversaries, with high stakes across four major trophies: the Governor’s Cup, Emir of Bauchi Cup, Emir of Katagum Cup, and the Sarki Fulani Cup. Subsidiary prizes like the Tafawa Balewa Cup, Beginners Cup, and Veterans Cup will also be contested.

Teams from Abuja, Minna, Keffi, Maiduguri, Taraba, Katsina, and Port Harcourt are expected, making it a truly national event.

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The officials also revealed that arrangements have been concluded to welcome the officials of Nigeria Polo Federation (NPF), players and invited guests who are expected ahead of the big carnival that also attract polo enthusiasts from neighbouring Chad and Cameroon Republics.

“It’s going to be a weeklong thrilling polo experience for our esteemed sponsors, partners and lovers of the noble game,” the tournament committee told Polo Royals.

However, the event comes at a somber time for Nigerian polo, following the passing of Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, Life President of Kano Polo Club. The club mourned “a visionary leader, titan of industry, and devoted supporter of the game of kings.”

The Nigeria Polo Association paid tribute, calling him “a revered figure… renowned for his support, leadership, and integrity.” Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Kano Pillars FC also expressed deep sorrow, describing Dantata as “a rare gem” whose legacy of philanthropy and passion for polo will never be forgotten.

Born in 1931, Dantata, was one of Nigeria’s most prominent business figures and a member of the legendary Dantata dynasty that has adopted polo as the biggest family sport. He died at the age of 94 in Abu Dhabi, UAE was the 15th of the family of 17 children.

Through his mentorship, the polo loving Kano family has produced over 150 polo players and patrons and still counting, (Both active and retired) to the glamorous Nigeria polo fraternity.