Tag: African Chovken Championship

Another international sporting history was made recently  in Abuja as the Nigeria’s  National Chovken Team became the first winners of the maiden African Chovken Championship.

The Nigerian  Eagles,  as the team is so called,  made the country proud, flying over Egypt, Ghana, and Niger Republic to proudly raise the country’s flag at the peak of the magnificent Aso Rock that provided a perfect back drop on the event organized by the International Chovken Federation (ICF) and its continental  affiliate, African Chovken Federation (ACF).

Cheered on by  thousands of effervescent  home fans who thronged the serene Guards Polo Club,  venue of the international galloping  festival,  the Nigerian  flag bearers parading Idris Badamasi, Malik Badamasi, Murktar Adahama, Lalo Aiyu, Nura Suleiman and team Captain, Col. Yusuf Bello,  powered through a  determined African oppositions to land the title.

In their opening game, Nigeria  defeated arch rivals Ghana 3-2 before dismissing the Pharaohs of Egypt 10-1 in the semifinal game to send a strong signal that they were in the continental championship for business.

Yet before the final, the Ghanaians were earlier deemed by the rampant Niger Republic Hunters who had earlier pulled a sensational upset against Egypt to secure a final match ticket against Nigeria in order   to decide the overall  winner of the  2025 African Chovken Championship.

Expectedly, the  ultimate final game decided before the over-crowded stands of Guards Polo, was tense as  Nigeria battler  their northern neighbours  for the continental Chovken title.

But at the end of the 30 minutes decisive u final, it was the Green & White Eagles that came top 5-3 to earn their first African Chovken Championship title.

“It’s historic and we are proud and thankful to God for this great feat,’ the team’s  captain, Col. Bello, said moments after the final hooter that brought the curtain down on the African showpiece.

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He added: “I want to praise the players for their fighting spirit, courage and commitment throughout our campaign and I want to specially salute the ICF for giving us this opportunity to showcase our teamwork and our teeming supporters who spur us on to this victory.”

The maiden African Chovken Championship that was highlighted by a special day of cultural displays by popular groups , showcased  the rich cultural heritage of the winning  hosts, Nigeria, just as Niger Republic, Ghana and Egypt finished second, third and fourth winners respectively.

President of African Region Chovken Federation, Nura  Kangiwa applauded the winners for their sportsmanship and discipline throughout the continental showpiece. Kangiwa who also commended the ICF for granting Nigeria the hosting right of the inaugural African championship, declared that the game has come to stay in Nigeria and indeed in the continent.

Kangiwa who took Nigeria to  the first ever Chovken World Championship in Baku, Azerbaijan last year, thanked the International Chovken Federation President, Bahens Nabiyev and other chieftains of the world ruling body for the opportunity  given to the country and other African countries  to showcase their skills during the championship.

“This is a great achievement for all of us as Nigerians and a very important victory for the whole country. We are proud of our players for their commitment and concentration throughout this historic event that puts our country on record as the giant of Chovken in Africa,”  declared Abdulkarim Jibrin, the President of Nigerian Chovken Federation.

Another sporting history beckons as the Federal Capital City, Abuja, bubble ahead of the maiden international African Chovken championship billed to hold between  November 5 and 8.

Chairman of the African Region of the International Chovken Federation  (ICF), Nura Sani Kangiwa , stated that Nigeria has been selected to host the maiden regional  continental championship-a milestone event expected to attract teams from across the continent and spotlight the country’s equestrian sports capabilities.

Kangiwa listed continental sporting power houses like Egypt, Morocco, South Africa and Ghana as the other countries expected to vie for honours during the four days African festival in Nigeria.

He also confirmed that the sporting fiesta would hold at the foremost Guards Polo Resort in Abuja, stating that choice of Nigeria as first ever African host of the glamorous event, follows the country’s sterling performance at the maiden International Chovken Championship held in Baku, Azerbaijan last year, where Nigeria finished third in  pool of 10 countries  from across the world.

 “Hosting this championship will not only boost Nigeria’s image internationally but also stimulate interest and investment in equestrian sports across the country,” Kangiwa said. “Countries like Kenya, and several others have already expressed readiness to participate.

 “We are working with private and public stakeholders to ensure a seamless hosting experience. This is a legacy project that could redefine equestrian sports in Nigeria and indeed Africa,” he added.

Kangiwa pointed out that since the game of Chovken resonates with Nigeria’s globally revered rich cultural and heritage, the organizers would be devoting a whole day during the event as Cultural Day where all the participants, invited dignitaries ICF officials and thousands of enthusiasts and tourists would witness the best of Nigerian cultural displays.

The proprietor of NSK Polo Ranch who recently led a delegation on a courtesy call to the leadership of the  National Sports Committee (NSC) as part of the build up to this continental event, said championship will bring together the finest riders and teams from across the continent and beyond, showcasing the pinnacle of equestrian excellence.

NSC Chairman, Alhaji Dikko who received the delegation pledged the commission’s support, noting that hosting such an event aligns with the federal government’s goal of expanding the country’s sporting portfolio beyond mainstream events.

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 “We are pleased to see a traditional and culturally rich sport like Chovken gaining ground in Nigeria,” the NSC boss said. “This championship is not just a sporting event—it’s an opportunity to showcase our hospitality, talent, and readiness to engage with global sporting communities.”

Chovken is an equestrian team sport with historical roots and striking resemblance to the popular Polo sport. The game is played by two teams of four horse riders who drive a small leather ball into an opponent’s goal using curved wooden mallets.

It is a fast-paced, strategic equestrian team sport with ancient roots —and a legacy that predates and inspired modern Polo.

While Polo became globally known through colonial expansion, Chovken evolved organically in the Caucasus and Central Asia, preserving its authenticity, ceremonial richness and deeper cultural resonance.

A typical Chovken match features two teams of four horse riders competing to score goals with a small leather ball and curved wooden mallets. It is played in two 15-minute halves. The sport was recently added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, further elevating its global profile.

What distinguishes Chovken from Polo is its allowance for closer physical contact, open-field freedom, and more cultural expression in play, offering a sport that is both athletic and ceremonial.

Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of speed, skill, and tradition as the Nigerian team perfect strategies to conquer the continent and write country’s name on the sands of times as the first ever winner of the inaugural Chovken African championship