Kaduna set to host second Dawule Baba Memorial Polo Tournament

The Kaduna Polo Club has announced plans to host the second edition of the Dawule Baba Memorial Polo Tournament from June 11 to 14, 2026, in honour of late Nigerian polo legend Dawule Baba.

The tournament, scheduled for the Murtala Mohammed Square Polo Ground in Kaduna, will feature more than 14 teams competing in high-goal, medium-goal and low-goal categories. Organisers have also lined up the Clearwater Youth Challenge, Beginners’ Cup and Veterans’ competition as part of activities for the four-day event.

Popularly known as the “Polo Professor” or “Teacher,” Dawule Baba was a respected figure in Nigerian polo and a member of the Kaduna Polo Club’s Board of Trustees before his death in Egypt in 2025 at the age of 66.

According to the tournament committee, the event is designed to celebrate the life and contributions of the late polo icon, whose impact on the development of the sport extended beyond Nigeria.

The club said the tournament is open to teams and players from across the country, providing an opportunity for polo enthusiasts to honour Baba’s memory through competition and fellowship.

First Vice-President of Kaduna Polo Club and Chairman of Clearwater Polo Farm, Kapeh Kazir, said the sponsorship of the youth and beginners’ categories reflects Baba’s lifelong commitment to nurturing young talent.

“Teacher was passionate about mentoring upcoming players and encouraging them to develop their skills. These competitions are aimed at preserving that legacy,” he said.

During his distinguished career, Dawule Baba achieved a plus-five handicap and represented Nigerian polo teams at tournaments in countries including the United States, England and Brazil. He was widely regarded as one of the country’s finest polo ambassadors.

The maiden edition of the memorial tournament last year featured the unveiling of the Dawule Baba Polo Field, while the memorial cup has since become one of the most prestigious trophies on the Kaduna polo calendar.

President of Kaduna Polo Club, Mohammad Babangida, described Baba as a sportsman whose passion, leadership and contributions to polo continue to inspire players across generations.