Nigeria Polo Association prepares to host FIP World Cup Play-offs in Abuja

The Nigeria Polo Association (NPA) is making significant strides in preparing for the Federation of International Polo (FIP) Zone E World Cup Play-off tournament, set to be held in Abuja. For the first time in its history, Africa has been chosen to host the crucial Zone E qualifiers, scheduled from November 9 to 16, 2026. The winners of the play-offs will be granted a spot to compete alongside other global qualifiers at the FIP World Cup finals in Uruguay, South America, in 2027.

NPA Chairman, Suleiman Abubakar, has expressed his team's tireless efforts to ensure a successful event, marking Nigeria's debut in hosting a prestigious international polo tournament on the continent. The tournament will feature top-tier polo-playing nations from Africa and Asia, including South Africa, Egypt, Iran, Pakistan, India, and the host nation, Nigeria.

Abubakar has expressed strong confidence in Nigeria's prospects of securing a World Cup berth, with the event's hosting rights receiving the official endorsement of the National Sports Commission (NSC). Since 2011, Nigeria's last participation in the Polo World Cup play-offs, NPA's delegation was led by the Life Chairman of the NPA and Emir of Katsina, HRH Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, who captained the team alongside Mohammad Babangida in the FIP Zone D play-off in Malaysia.