Champions Crowned As 2026 Charity Shield Polo Tournament Ends In Kaduna

The 2026 Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament concluded in Kaduna on a high note, with Access Bank, Katsina Danmarna, Max Air and Golden Brickmore emerging champions across the competition’s four major categories after eight days of intense action.

Access Bank enjoyed the most successful campaign of the tournament, defeating Malcomines in two separate finals to claim both the prestigious Charity Shield and the Herbert Wigwe Memorial Cup.

Katsina Danmarna secured the Access Bank Cup, regarded as the tournament’s second most important trophy, while Max Air lifted the Usman Dantata Cup. Golden Brickmore completed the winners’ list by capturing the UNICEF Cup after a closely contested final.

The annual event attracted leading polo professionals, top Nigerian players and a host of dignitaries from across the country. Among those in attendance were the Emir of Katsina, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, Kaduna State Deputy Governor Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, the Argentine Ambassador to Nigeria and other prominent stakeholders from the sporting and development sectors.

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, who attended as Special Guest of Honour, praised the tournament for combining sporting excellence with community-focused initiatives.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, Musa noted that the event had become an important platform for raising support for projects aimed at improving children’s welfare and strengthening local communities.

Beyond the competition on the field, the tournament maintained its longstanding focus on charitable causes through its partnership with UNICEF. Over the years, the initiative has supported programmes targeted at improving access to education, healthcare and other essential services for vulnerable children, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

Addressing guests at the event, Access Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Roosevelt Ogbonna, reiterated the institution’s commitment to supporting educational opportunities for disadvantaged children through various social intervention programmes.

Kaduna State Deputy Governor Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe also commended the organisers and partners for sustaining the initiative, describing it as a valuable contribution to community development and youth empowerment across the state.

“The government and people of Kaduna State appreciate Access Bank and its partners for sustaining this important initiative, which addresses the needs of children and supports the development of rural communities across the state,” she said.

During the tournament, Access Bank announced an additional donation of N10 million to UNICEF to support ongoing child welfare and community development projects.

While the competition produced memorable performances and worthy champions, the event also highlighted the growing role of sport as a platform for mobilising support for social and developmental causes.