Lagos Leighton Kings are the first major winners at the 2023 GTCO Lagos International Polo Tournament after they overwhelmed Wiltten Aviation side from Port Harcourt to clinch the glittering Dapo Ojora Memorial Cup.
The Bowale Jolaoso-led side started with a spark, dominating the five chukkas game from the first chukka and shorting down the Aviation flyers 12-41/2 to celebrate their first-ever Dapo Ojora Cup in grand style.
Port Harcourt-based Wiltten Aviation got the opening goal of the Stream 2 Open Cup clash by Fernando Lloriente but the Kings responded with Facundo Ratamar, who spearheaded a commanding performance by scoring his side’s first goal to keep the game on the knife edge courtesy of a half-goal handicap to the visitors.
Facundo, who starred alongside his sibling Nico, soon imposed himself on the match to give the Lagos side a 2-1 1/2 goal lead.
Moments later, two quick goals took the score to 4-1 1/2 while Ratamar walked his way to an easy away finish just before the hooter sounds to widen their lead 5 1 1/2 heading to the second chukka.
Englishman Peter Webb fluffed his 60 yards penalty missing the chance to close the gap but the Kings’ patron, Bowale Jolaosho got on the scorer’s sheet as he tapped in from close range to close the chukka 6 1 1/2 Llorente responded for a four-and-half goal deficit.
Jolaosho, who had Muyiwa Oni as the other Nigerian on the Kings’ side, got another goal just as the third chukka started to coast closer to victory for the Kings.
Ricante scored the eighth goal for the home team as the Aviators faded out of the contest. Ratamar kept the fans on their feet as he juggled to the delight of the crowd to score the eleventh goal for the Kings.
Last year, Team Lagos Dangote defeated Jos Malcomines team 10-5 to win the inaugural Dapo Ojora Cup and wrote their names in gold as the first-ever team to win the prize played in the everlasting memory of the late Nigerian polo icon and former Captain of the Lagos Polo Club.
The tournament continues tomorrow with Trojan Ark confronting STL-Shoreline in what promises to be a tough clash. Trojan had a comfortable 13-6 win over Ark Hotel but STL Shoreline are a tough side and may prove a hard nut to crack for the Kunle Tinubu-led Trojan Ark.
The second major cup would be decided this weekend when two top qualifiers in the Open Cup series would battle for the royal crown of the Oba of Lagos Cup.