Nigeria Sports Celebrating passion, talent and excellence

Polo players racing for the ball at a Nigerian tournament

Sports played in Nigeria

Polo in Nigeria

Horses, mallets and history: Nigerian polo since 1904.

The sport of kings

Polo in Nigeria

The sports of polo in Nigeria is not new as its inception was dated back since 1904, and is one of the oldest sports in the country, it was introduced by the British, though the game itself originated in ancient Persia.

Polo sports is coordinated and governed by the Nigerian Polo Association (NPA) which was later changed to Nigeria Polo Federation (NPF), and there are so many other clubs specifically for the sports of polo who help in its development as well as the promotion in the country and designated states.

In as much as polo sport is popular in Nigeria, there is still much to be done in order to totally transform the sports and make it much more better in such a way that the players can, at large participate fully in the game such as in other polo championships and tournaments in Africa and around the globe.

The Nigeria polo federation oversees the activities of the sports and aims to make it compete with other popular sports like football, basketball and even field and tracks, thereby accommodating players who think they have better skills in the game and also providing the already existing players with polo sports tournaments which can help develop and improve their skills making them professionals in the sports field.

Some of the notable Nigeria polo sports players have been doing exceptionally great, and the Federation of polo sports in the country is planning on making the player go international to compete with the best.

Polo players jostling for the ball at a Nigerian club

Benefits of polo

Polo game is a kind of game that is not just played for the purpose of defeating the opponent but offers an opportunity that helps the players to stay alert at all times to combat in any kind of conflict.

It is beneficial both physically and mentally. It is a very sociable game that helps to improve balance and motor function in the brain also creates an avenue for good company while on it. Polo game adds value as well to the human cardiovascular system and proper muscle functioning.

Unlike other outdoor sports, polo is a kind of sport that last within a short period of time say 1 to 2 hours. It is a hockey-like game that appears pleasurable while playing because it exposes one to nature and also teaches players how to work as a team.

Polo players riding side by side

Statistics · Checked 30 September 2026

Nigerian polo in numbers

See the tournaments
  • 1904

    Polo arrives

    Lagos Polo Club founded

  • 4

    Players a side

    Each on horseback

  • 27

    Teams

    Lagos International 2026

  • 480+

    Horses

    Lagos International 2026

  • 3

    Weeks

    Lagos International 2026

  • 11

    Clubs listed

    From Lagos to Makurdi

  • 5

    Olympic Games

    Polo, 1900 to 1936

  • 1986

    Bello Buba’s debut

    In Jos

Quick answers

Polo in Nigeria: facts and figures

When did polo start in Nigeria?

In 1904, when British officers founded the Lagos Polo Club in Ikoyi. Polo is one of the oldest organised sports in Nigeria, older than organised football.

Who runs polo in Nigeria?

The Nigeria Polo Federation (NPF), formerly the Nigerian Polo Association. Its president is Francis Ogboro, re-elected in January 2025.

What is the biggest polo tournament in Nigeria?

The Lagos International Polo Tournament at the Lagos Polo Club. Its top prize is the Majekodunmi Cup, won in 2026 by Lagos STL.

Where is polo played in Nigeria?

Mainly in Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jos and Port Harcourt, with clubs also in Bauchi, Ibadan, Makurdi, Keffi, Yola and other cities.

Who is called the father of Nigerian polo?

Sir Usman Nagogo, the Emir of Katsina, whose playing and travels brought Nigerian polo international recognition.