Katsina and Yola have confirmed their 2026 tournament dates, extending the Nigerian National Polo Tour following the conclusion of the Bauchi annual tournament and the Minna international polo fiesta.
Katsina’s international tournament is set for 22-29 August at the Sir Usman Nagogo Polo Ground, with over twenty teams from across the country expected to compete in the week-long event, according to a release from Katsina Polo Club.
Life President of Katsina Polo Club Prince Sanusi Kabir said sponsors, players, dignitaries and polo enthusiasts could expect a memorable event, which traditionally holds under the auspices of the Emir of Katsina and Life Chairman of Nigerian Polo, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulmumini Kabir Usman. The tournament is backed by the Katsina State Government alongside corporate sponsors.
Tournament Manager Prince Umar Kabir Usman said the organising committee was preparing a tournament to ‘deliver on all fronts’ as the national tour returns to Katsina.
Major prizes on offer include the Nigerian Cup, which marked its centenary last year, and the General Hassan Cup, alongside the President Cup, Governor’s Cup, Wazirin Katsina Cup, Muhammadu Dikko Memorial Cup and Talba Cup. Individual awards will also be presented to standout players.
The tour then moves to Adamawa State for the Yola international tournament, running 8-13 September under the auspices of the Lamido Adamawa, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa. Yola Polo Captain Asharaf Yahaya and Yola Polo Secretary Usman Saa’d confirmed preparations were under way in the state capital.
Top prizes at Yola include the Governor’s Cup and the Lamido Cup, the tournament’s oldest trophy at over 90 years old, alongside the INTEL Cup, ABTI Cup, General Hassan Cup, A.A. Mustapha Cup and M.C. Tahir Cup.
The national tour is next expected in Kano for the 2026 Kano international polo festival, before moving to Kaduna – home of the Georgian Trophy – for the Kaduna international festival in early November.
Photo caption: Abuja Rubicon Polo patron Senator Hadi Sirika turns with the ball during a Nigerian Cup match in Katsina. The 2026 Katsina international polo tournament runs from 22 August.