The Argentine Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Nicolas Perazzo has applauded the Lagos international polo tournament for its traditional high standard, admitting the event is undoubtedly one the biggest polo championships in Africa and indeed the world.
He was particularly impressed with the standard of play and the high level of discipline during the games and the camaraderie that resonated throughout the event that has over the decades stand the event out as one of the biggest tourism attractions to the former capital city of Nigeria for more than a century now.
The envoy noted that the fact professional players from Argentina have for many decades been playing prominent roles during the tournament say a lot about the cordial relationship that the Nigeria- Argentina relationship enjoys.
“I am happy to state that the Argentine government remains committed and will continue to nurture the cordial relationship with Nigeria and the Lagos Polo Club for our mutual benefits,” Perazzo stated.
The Ambassador who led members of the Diplomatic Corp from other African country and Europe as the Special Guest of Honour during the finals of the newly introduced Argentine Ambassador’s Cup, congratulated the winners and runners-up team for their commitment and sportsmanship during the fiercely contested final game.
Others top dignitaries who lauded the tournament for its unique and traditional legacies include Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, the 21st Elegushi of the Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom in Lagos who described the historical tie with the noble game of kings and royalties as rich and special dating back to the pre- independence era.
The Royal Father who led his traditional chiefs to grace the polo festival, commended Lagos Polo Club and the tournament for its distinctive role in promoting highly Lagos heritage, promoting the oldest team sport in the world and driving tourism.
Kudos also came from Her Royal Highness, Hajiya Sadiya Ado Bayero, wife of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi (2) who was the Mother of Day during the finals of Sani Dangote Cup that was won by Kano Golden Alchemy.
She noted that Lagos Polo Club’s commitment in the promotion of the game, has over the years encouraged the younger generation from societal ills to embrace dignified lives and help them to pursue decent live styles for the promotion of a better society.
The Seyi Tinubu powered team that emerged the first ever winners of the Argentine Ambassador’s Cup powering past city rivals, Lagos A1/Shoreline in a gusty five chukkas battle, last weekend won the event’s biggest prize, the Majekodunmi Cup and the Independence Cup respectively to emerge the overall champion of the prestigious tournament.
Apart from the Majek and Independence Cup titles, STL has won the Dapo Ojora Cup, Owen Cup, Argentine Ambassador’s Cup in one sensational swoop that spur the likes of Lagos Art Hotel, Shoreline/A1 to put host Lagos firmly on the driving seat in the campaign for laurels in the Africa’s biggest and the most prestigious polo tournament.
“It’s unbelievable. I couldn’t describe the first time we won so I don’t know how to put this one into words,” Yasin Amusan, Captain of STL declared shortly after the tense Majekodunmi Cup final match. It could have gone either way after they (A1/ Shoreline) drew level half way through, but our winning edge tilted it in our favour,” he added.
Revered as one of the oldest and the most exciting polo tournaments in the African continent, the annual event that gallops off with 27 teams from across the country, is warming up to its grand finale this weekend, February 15, 2026 with four more laurels to be won.
The prizes include the Lagos Low Cup, the Silver Cup, Lagos Heritage and the glittering Governor’s Cup that has the Executive Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the Special Guest of Honour of the on the final day.
