Ibadan Durante wins Lagos international polo tournament, 2024 Silver Cup

Posted : 19 February 2024

As the Lagos Polo Tournament reached its climax with the 2024 Silver Cup, Ibadan Durante emerged as the winners in a fiercely contested final match on Sunday.

The 5-member Ibadan Durante team defeated the Kano MSR team, sponsored by BUA Group, with a score of 7 1/2 - 4.

The 2024 Lagos International Polo Tournament Silver Cup, marking its 120th edition, was sponsored by Coronation Group Ltd and had its grand finale at the Lagos Polo Club, SW Ikoyi Lagos.

The prestigious Lagos Polo Fiesta, sponsored by Coronation Group Limited, celebrating its 120th anniversary, commenced with fanfare on Feb. 13th and concluded on Feb. 18th at the historic Lagos Polo Club, Ribadu Road.

The well-attended tournament featured a record 14 teams competing for honors, with Ibadan Durante emerging as the overall winners.

An excited Captain of Ibadan Durante, Rita Alakija, who was the only female in the team's final, expressed joy at winning the tournament in its remarkable year.

"I am excited about winning this tournament this year, and it's remarkable for us because this is what we wanted. Our opponents gave us a brave fight, but we were able to get it right," she said.

The Most Valuable Player of the Tournament and member of Ibadan Durante, Carl Alakija, commended the organizers of the tournament, adding that he was impressed with the growth of Polo sport in Nigeria.

"It's really good to come and win here all the way from Ibadan, and of course, we are proud winners. It's a tough tournament for us; for me, I have been playing Polo since I was younger, but I played last in the tournament about four years ago. I am back to play alongside and support my sister, Rita, and Carl because we know that Kano MSR is tough to play against because they run well. Polo is fast improving in Nigeria with many upcoming players; all we can do is to give them a chance or opportunities to impress," he said.

Sadiq Rabiu, captain of Kano MSR, said that the winners deservedly won the cup.

"Our opponents played very well, and they are deserving winners. The organization of the tournament is very good and commendable; we now have lots of youngsters coming onboard, especially from Abuja and Lagos. We will make sure we encourage more people to come and enjoy and play polo in Nigeria," he said.

Koye Ige won the Most Disciplined Player of the tournament, while Koye Ige won the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament.

Ibadan Durante wins Lagos international polo tournament, 2024 Silver Cup

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