Abuja Guards Polo Club: West Africa’s New Polo Powerhouse – Jika

The Abuja Guards Polo Club has declared itself the dominant force in West African polo, not just within Nigeria. Senator Haliru Jika, President of the club, made the assertion ahead of the upcoming 2025 National Polo Carnival.

The carnival, themed “Signature of the Experience,” is set to run for 14 days, from 1st to 14th December, at the club’s grounds.

Senator Jika firmly stated, “We have taken over the game of polo in the entire West Africa, not just Nigeria.” He highlighted Abuja’s role as a national hub and attributed the club’s ascendancy to its expanding membership and the superior quality of its horses.

“I think this club houses the highest number of Argentine Toro-bred horses in Nigeria. There’s no doubt we are ahead of Lagos,” he added, emphasising their lead over other polo centres.

With over 70 matches anticipated during the carnival, Jika noted that the club’s facilities are currently stretched. He also revealed a significant influx of new talent, with more than 100 young players and over 100 new membership applicants already lined up.

The club is actively seeking partnerships to expand its facilities and bolster player development. “We are now trying to look outward to diversify,” Jika explained, naming JAIZ Bank, FSDH, and PopCola as current partners. The 14-day tournament duration is essential, he said, to protect the pitch and ensure safe play given the large number of participating teams.

Alhassan Abdulkarim, Executive Director at JAIZ Bank, confirmed the bank’s renewed sponsorship, citing polo’s growing appeal among young Nigerians. He described the sponsorship as part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility to foster unity and sportsmanship.

Olufayin Adeniyi, Regional Manager for FSDH, stated that the tournament aligns with her firm’s dedication to sports development. “It’s a prestigious tournament that brings people together and boosts the economy,” she remarked.

Nassim Basma Abdelkarim, PopCola’s Abuja head, underscored the role of sports in motivating youth and combating social issues. “Sports keeps them away from the streets. Our company is happy to be part of this big event,” she commented.