Access Bank, Max Air, 2 Others Crowned Champions At 2026 Charity Shield Polo Tourney

The 2026 Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament came to a spectacular conclusion in Kaduna, with Access Bank, Katsina Danmarna, Max Air and Golden Brickmore emerging champions in the competition’s four major categories after eight days of exhilarating polo action and charitable engagement.

The prestigious tournament, widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading polo events and a flagship platform for philanthropy, combined world-class sporting excellence with a renewed commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children and underserved communities across Northern Nigeria.

Access Bank stole the spotlight during the grand finale, overcoming Malcomines in two successive title matches to capture both the coveted Charity Shield and the Herbert Wigwe Memorial Cup. The victories capped an impressive campaign for the banking giants, who demonstrated consistency, teamwork and tactical superiority throughout the tournament.

In other major finals, Katsina Danmarna secured the Access Bank Cup, regarded as the tournament’s second most prestigious trophy, while Max Air lifted the Usman Dantata Cup after a commanding performance. Golden Brickmore completed the roll of honour by clinching the UNICEF Cup following a fiercely contested encounter.

The tournament attracted an impressive gathering of dignitaries, corporate leaders, diplomats and polo enthusiasts from within and outside Nigeria. Among the distinguished guests 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 Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas, and the Ambassador of Argentina to Nigeria.

Also present was the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, who attended as Special Guest of Honour. He praised the organisers for successfully blending sport with humanitarian objectives, describing the event as a shining example of how corporate social responsibility can drive meaningful social change.

According to him, the tournament goes beyond competition by creating opportunities for children and communities through targeted interventions in education, healthcare and social welfare.

Over the years, the Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament has evolved into one of the world’s foremost charitable sporting initiatives, leveraging the popularity and prestige of polo to support long-term investments in child development. Through sustained fundraising efforts, the partnership has helped improve access to education and essential services for thousands of children, particularly in rural and disadvantaged communities.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Access Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Roosevelt Ogbonna, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities for disadvantaged children as part of Access Corporation’s sustainability and social impact agenda.

He stressed that the bank would continue to support programmes that empower young people and create lasting opportunities for future generations.

Kaduna State Deputy Governor Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe commended Access Bank, UNICEF and other stakeholders for sustaining the initiative over the years. She described the partnership as a strategic intervention that contributes significantly to poverty reduction, youth empowerment and community development 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.

In a further demonstration of its commitment to the cause, Access Bank announced an additional donation of N10 million to UNICEF during the tournament to support ongoing child welfare and community empowerment projects.

Beyond the excitement of elite polo competition, the 2026 Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament once again highlighted the transformative power of sport as a vehicle for social good, reaffirming its status as a platform where sporting excellence meets sustainable community impact.