The newly elected President of the Yola Polo Club, Abdulrahman Haske, has delivered a message of consolidation and steady promotion of the ‘game of kings’ to the Nigerian polo community.
?Speaking during an interactive media session following his election, Haske vowed to redouble efforts to promote polo in Adamawa State, across Nigeria, and on the international stage. He expressed gratitude to the Grand Patron of the club and Lamido of Adamawa, HRH Muhammadu Barkindo Musdafa, for the opportunity to serve, declaring that his management committee will elevate the sport to greater heights. Haske, who is also the patron of the Haske and Williams polo team, assured fans that the forthcoming 2026 Yola International Polo Tournament will be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
?Revered as the premier sporting attraction and social highlight of the North-East region, the 2026 festival is scheduled to run from September 8 to September 13 at the historic Lamido Musdafa Polo Ground in Yola. Confirming the dates, Haske noted that no sporting event captures the cultural heritage of the Adamawa Kingdom quite like this annual gathering. He recalled that since the inaugural edition was held at the Eastern Gate of the Lamido Palace in the mid-1930s, the tournament has grown steadily in both popularity and prestige.
?Traditionally hosted by the Lamido and supported by the Adamawa State Government alongside corporate and private sponsors, the tournament features several highly coveted trophies. Key prizes include the high-stakes Governor’s Cup and the historic Lamido Cup-the oldest trophy in the club’s 80-plus-year history. According to Yola Polo Captain Asharaf Yahaya, over 25 top teams from across Nigeria, featuring foreign players, are expected to compete. Other silverware up for grabs includes the Emir of Mubi Cup, INTEL Cup, ABTI Cup, General Hassan Cup, A.A. Mustapha Cup, and the M.C. Tahir Cup.
?Club Secretary Usman Saad highlighted the tournament’s role as a major tourist draw, noting that it regularly attracts visitors from neighbouring Cameroon, Niger, Chad, Sudan, and Europe. ‘We promise a much bigger Yola International this year, as the country’s top-rated players are set to battle for the four major prizes and various individual awards,’ Saad stated.
?The upcoming event follows a thrilling previous edition where the Jos-based Malcomines team and the local Haske and Williams contingent dominated headlines. Murtala Laushi’s Malcomines secured the Governor’s Cup, while Crown Club Resort claimed the Lamido Cup. Haske himself delivered strong performances last year, leading Haske and Williams and Bijou Africa Race to runner-up finishes in the Governor’s and Lamido Cups, respectively. Other winners included the Bauchi Valadora team and Jalingo’s Sadauki Starboys, who lifted the Emir of Mubi Cup.