Junaid Takes Over At Guards Polo Club, Sets Agenda For Growth Grassroots Development

Guards Polo Club has ushered in a new leadership era following the election of Mustapha Junaid as president.

Junaid, who previously served as the club’s first vice-president, was elected on 6 April and now assumes responsibility for one of Nigeria’s prominent polo institutions at a time when interest in the sport continues to expand across the country.

An active polo player and administrator, Junaid said his administration would focus on improving the club’s structures, increasing participation and strengthening grassroots development.

Speaking after assuming office, he said the club intended to build on its established reputation while creating more opportunities for players and enthusiasts throughout the year.

According to him, the club’s facilities remain a major attraction for players and visitors, with efforts ongoing to maintain and improve the polo grounds and surrounding infrastructure.

He revealed that the management had outlined a calendar of competitions and activities aimed at keeping the sport active in Abuja beyond the traditional peak season.

Among the major events scheduled for the year is the Abuja National Carnival Polo Tournament, expected to hold in December.

The annual competition is regarded as one of the club’s flagship events and usually attracts leading teams and players from different parts of the country.

Junaid said preparations were already underway to ensure a competitive tournament capable of sustaining the growing profile of polo in Nigeria.

Other events listed on the club’s calendar include the Id el Kabir/Children’s Day Polo Tournament in May, the Democracy Day Polo Tournament in June, the Id el Maulud Polo Tournament in August and the Independence Polo Tournament in October.

The club also plans to organise several in-house competitions involving more than 24 teams.

Beyond tournaments, Junaid disclosed plans to introduce youth-focused initiatives, including children’s clinics and grassroots programmes aimed at developing future polo players.

He noted that nurturing young talent remained essential to sustaining the sport’s growth in Nigeria and broadening participation beyond established players.

The new president added that the club hoped to create a more engaging environment for members while contributing to the wider development of polo across the country.