Ibadan-based polo patron, Magaji Olajuwon Subair-Adeloku, is thrilled to end his tournament debut on a thrilling note after he led his selected side to deliver one of the event’s major prizes , the Shoreline Cup at the recently concluded 2023 Ibadan international polo tournament.
“I’m in the clouds,” an excited Subair-Adeloku said. “My experiences and the warm reception accorded me by the patrons, players and the teeming polo enthusiasts during the prestigious Ibadan tournament were so humbling and inspiring and that memorable will remain with me for as long as I live.”
The Magaji of one of the emirates in the Olubadan Kingdom, led his Ibadan AR polo team out in their first ever international tournament experience hoping to clinch one of the major prizes on offer, the Ade Alakija Memorial Cup against other more established and experience oppositions.
“Yes, our hope was to hit the ground running with a major title on our debut, but our aspiration was stop in it tracks,” he admitted.“ But I’m so proud of my players, our commitment during the tournament as we have taken it our strides as a learning curve in our bid to be a force to reckon in the annals of Nigerian polo.
“As it turned out, our disappointment in the quest for the Ade Alakija Cup was fully compensated by the wholesome support we received from our fans and the Ibadan polo crowd who charred us all through the fiesta.
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“Importantly, that disappointment was adequately compensated when I later led another team to finish tops in the Shoreline Cup race,: he added during the chat in Ibadan.”
The traditional ruler disclosed that his passion for the noble game before he joined the Ibadan Polo Club as a playing member was boosted by his love for the Horse.
“ Before now, I was playing football as my favourites recreational sporting activity, but all that has changed since I joined the polo family because I’ve discovered that polo is not just sport but a lifestyle,” he stressed.
As part of his commitment to the King of Games, Magaji has acquired quite a number of polo playing ponies and plans are in advantage to construct a mini polo field in his Palace to horn his skills and put his team in top shape ahead of other tournaments.
“Since that debut, my commitment to making a big name in polo is total and I want to thank the President of Ibadan Polo Club, Koyin Owoeye, Vice President, Bola Adeyemi, Ibadan polo Captain, Edozie Onwuli, my Coach, Babao Lawal and others for their encouragements and for their inspiration,” he affirmed.
He hinted that he is planning to lead his Ibadan AR polo team out to contest for top prizes at other big tournaments in the Nigerian polo circuit , with Lagos international polo tournament, Kano tournament and Niger Delta Polo festival in Port Harcourt topping the list.
“We are looking forward to participating in as many tournaments as we can afford, but can’t wait till next year for the prestigious Lagos international,” he further said.“I’m certain playing in the oldest and the most prestigious polo tournament in the continent and berthing in the friendship and excitement that comes with it, will be another crowning moment in my polo career.”