From 1904 to 2026: Legacy continues as Lagos International Polo Tournament takes center stage

Founded in 1904, the Lagos Polo Club stands as one of the oldest polo clubs in Africa and a living symbol of Nigeria’s colonial and post-independence sporting heritage.

For more than a century, the Club has served not only as a sporting institution but also as a social and cultural landmark, hosting generations of Nigerian leaders, diplomats, and international guests.

Over the decades, the Lagos Polo Club has played a pivotal role in nurturing local talent, institutionalising polo in Nigeria, and positioning Lagos as a serious destination on the global polo circuit. Its manicured grounds in Ikoyi, set against the backdrop of one of Africa’s most dynamic cities, have witnessed historic matches, iconic rivalries, and the steady evolution of polo in the region.

The Lagos Polo Club recently announced the dates and competitive structure for the 2026 edition of the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament (LIPT), reaffirming its status as one of Africa’s most prestigious and enduring sporting events.

Scheduled to take place from Tuesday, January 27 to Sunday, February 15, 2026, the tournament will once again transform Ikoyi into a vibrant nexus of elite sport, diplomacy, and high society.

Hosted at the historic Lagos Polo Club Grounds in Ikoyi, the tournament will unfold over three weeks of top-tier competition, featuring some of the finest polo players from Nigeria and abroad.

Long regarded as a cornerstone of West Africa’s sporting and social calendar, the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament attracts an international audience of players, patrons, corporate leaders, diplomats, and cultural tastemakers.

Tournament Structure and Key Competitions

The 2026 tournament will feature four major competitions, each reflecting a distinct level of play and tradition within the sport:

● Chapel Hill Denham Open Cup 10–12 Goal Handicap Week One: January 27 to February 1, 2026

Majekodunmi Cup 14 Goal and Above Handicap.

Week Two: February 2 to February 8, 2026

● Low Cup 6–8 Goal Handicap Week Three: February 9 to February 15, 2026

● Silver Cup 0–2 Goal Handicap Running concurrently across all three weeks.

In addition to the core competitive cups, the 2026 edition will also feature the Heritage Cup, Oba of Lagos Cup, Cancer Awareness Bowl, and the Governors Cup, further enriching the tournament’s competitive depth while celebrating the Club’s legacy and institutional partnerships.

Leadership Perspectives and Tournament Scale

Speaking at the official press conference, Adeyemo Alakija, President of the Lagos Polo Club, described the 2026 edition as a landmark tournament, marking his first as President of the Club.

“This will be my first Lagos International Polo Tournament as President, and we are expecting a lot of polo action, a lot of camaraderie among ourselves, and a full calendar of social events throughout the tournament,” Alakija said.

Usman Dantata, Tournament Manager,  highlighted the scale of participation expected in 2026, noting the depth of competition across all levels of play.

“We are expecting close to 30 teams, made up of about 120 players, competing throughout the tournament, with over 480 horses on and off the field,” Dantata said.

On security, crowd control, and logistics, Dantata assured players, guests, and partners that comprehensive measures have been put in place.

“We have multiple layers of security in place, supported by Lagos State authorities, to ensure effective crowd, traffic, and venue management throughout the tournament,” he added.

More Than a Tournament

Beyond the field of play, the Lagos International Polo Tournament has become synonymous with refined social gatherings, high-level networking, and cultural exchange. The event contributes significantly to Lagos’ hospitality, tourism, and creative economies, drawing international visitors while showcasing the city’s sophistication, energy, and capacity to host world-class events.

As Nigeria continues to assert itself on the global stage, the 2026 Lagos International Polo Tournament reflects a broader narrative of tradition meeting modernity, sport intersecting with culture, and Lagos positioning itself as a confident, cosmopolitan capital of African excellence.

The 2026 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament is sponsored by: GTCO, Arbico, Chapel Hill Denham, American Express, Veuve Clicquot, Glenmorangie, Brithomes & Hill International, SAF, Mota-Engil Nigeria, Dangote, Bemil Security, Stretford Hill Limited, Optima Energy, BlueChip Technologies, IHS Towers, CardinalStone, Snepco, and Mainstreet Capital.

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