The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Sports and the National Sports Commission (NSC), has slated the ancient Zaria Polo Club for comprehensive restoration as part of its nationwide sports infrastructure renewal program.
Consultants from the NSC recently visited the club’s Elizabeth Road complex in Zaria, Kaduna State, to inspect damaged facilities and assess structural requirements following more than ten years of neglect.
‘Yes, we are happy that the Federal Government has finally come to our rescue. Already officials from Abuja have visited us here in Zaria and have inspected the complex and taken note of all that is required to put the polo club back in use,’ a senior Zaria Polo Club official confirmed. ‘We are thrilled that the noble game will soon return to Zaria, and the Zazzau Emirate Council is fully supportive of this effort.’
In preparation for the revamping project, the Zaria Polo Club Management Committee convened an emergency meeting to restructure operations. The committee resolved to dissolve the current management team, suspend Polo Captain Faruk Dokaji, and establish an interim committee to oversee transition efforts.
Founded in the early 1920s by members of the royal family and British officers, Zaria Polo Club is one of Northern Nigeria’s oldest sporting venues. Its annual tournament historically serves as the opening leg of the second phase of the national polo tour, featuring top teams from Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina competing for historic honors including the Royal Signal Trophy, Emir of Zazzau Cup, Jafaru Cup, and University Cup.