The newly inaugurated Adedapo Ojora Cup and Sani Dangote Cup have taken its pride of place as one of the major prizes to be vied for by participating teams during the Lagos International polo tournaments annually.
Both prizes were introduced in remembrance of two late Nigeria’s polo icons; while the Adedapo Ojora Cup named after the former Lagos Polo Captain Dapo Ojora fondly called ‘Baba Polo’ debuted last year, the Sani Dangote Cup played in memory of former President of Lagos Polo Club, is inaugurated this year.
The management of Nigeria’s primer polo club confirmed this exclusively during the media briefing to herald the prestigious 2023 international polo festival billed to blast off with pomp and fanfare tomorrow in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The 2023 Dapo Ojora Cup will pitch one Lagos-based team against a visiting team from Port Harcourt and the winners of the cup will emerge the second winner of the cup.
Lagos Dangote clinched the maiden Adedapo Ojora Memorial Cup with a 10 – 5 win over Malcomines of Jos as the first week of the 2022 NPA/GTCO Lagos International Polo Tournament climaxed with fanfare.
“I can’t be happier today,” Lagos Dangote team Patron, Baba Dangote declared moments after the exciting final game. “Winning the maiden Dapo Ojora Cup means everything for me.
“He was my mentor and I dedicate this victory to him and my daddy, Sani Dangote,” he added with pride.
Other subsidiary prizes that have taken their pride of place during the tournament on annual basis include the Oba of Lagos, Governor’s Cup, the Italian Ambassador’s Cup and the Heritage Cup, Chief of Naval Cup.
Meanwhile, The cup, which was donated for competition between high-goal teams from Nigeria and Cameroon by the German Ambassador to Nigeria in the early 1900s, before it was renamed the Independence Cup after Nigeria achieved Independence in 1960 remains one of the oldest polo prizes in Africa.
Incidentally, the management of the Lagos Polo Club had earlier elevated the Chief of Naval Cup which debuted last year as one of the major prizes on offer during the Lagos polo festival to be competed for annually.
The glittering silver trophy was presented for competition this year by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo as a demonstration of the Nigerian navy to support and promote the development of the noble game in the country.
Vice Admiral Gambo who lauded the leadership strides of Lagos Polo Club in the development of the game of Polo in Nigeria, stated the game will help Nigerian Navy officers build camaraderie capable of strengthening the nation’s defense.
“I’m delighted to be here today. I appreciate the president of the club, Ayo Olashoju and the management for the honour done and let me also acknowledge the support of other naval staff, ” the Naval boss declared. “I am happy to state that the Nigerian Navy remains committed and will continue to nurture the relationship with Lagos Polo Club for our mutual benefits.”
Last year, Lagos Caverton (2) wrote their names in gold as the first ever winners of the prestigious cup, defeating Bobtrack Tractor team from Port Harcourt 7-2 to clinch the coveted naval cup at the 2022 NPA/GTCO Lagos Polo International Tournament.
The prestigious international fiesta attract 35 teams comprising 22 Lagos based teams and 13 visiting teams from Kano, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Ibadan and the Nigerian Navy team are massing in the foremost Ribadu Road polo ground for yet another epoch tournament that is gallops-off Saturday (January 28, 2023.