Polo lovers and social enthusiasts are in for an unforgettable spectacle as the 2025 NPA/GTCO Lagos International Polo Tournament prepares to thunder into action from January 27, promising three thrilling weeks of elite competition, elegance, and sporting excellence. With over 25 teams confirmed, the tournament is poised to once again reaffirm Lagos’ position as a global destination for world-class polo.Widely regarded as one of the biggest and most prestigious polo tournaments in the world, the event will unfold at the historic Ribadu Polo Ground in Ikoyi, Lagos, and will climax in grand style on February 15, blending high-octane sport with refined social engagement.A Tournament Steeped in History and PrestigeSpeaking ahead of the event, President of the Lagos Polo Club, Mr. Adeyemo Alakija, described the tournament as a celebration of tradition, excellence, and international collaboration. He noted that the Lagos International Polo Tournament, which traces its origins back to 1904, has grown steadily over the decades to become a flagship sporting and social event not only in Africa but globally.Alakija commended GTCO, the title sponsor, alongside other sponsors and partners, for their unwavering support in sustaining and elevating the tournament’s legacy.
According to him, the long-standing partnership has ensured the tournament continues to attract top-tier talent, global attention, and institutional credibility.He assured sponsors, participants, and spectators that the Lagos Polo Club is fully prepared to deliver exceptional value, noting that the club has undergone significant infrastructural upgrades to meet and exceed international safety and competition standards for both players and horses.“The club has been rejuvenated with continuous improvements across facilities. Safety, professionalism, and international best practices remain our priority,” he said.Elite Teams, Global Talent, and Thoroughbred ExcellenceThe 2025 edition promises fierce competition as ambitious teams arrive fully fortified with foreign professional players and thoroughbred Argentine horses, widely regarded as the finest in the sport. Teams will battle for four major trophies alongside several prestigious subsidiary prizes, ensuring a packed calendar of high-quality matches.Tournament Manager, Mr. Usman Dantata (Jnr.), provided insights into the depth of competition, revealing that professional players from Argentina, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and other leading polo nations will feature prominently, raising the technical standard and global appeal of the event.
At the pinnacle of the competition stands the Majekodunmi Cup, widely acknowledged as the tournament’s most coveted prize. Other major trophies include the Chapel Hill Denham Open Cup, the Lagos Low Cup, and the highly competitive Lagos Silver Cup, which traditionally attracts the largest pool of teams and brings the tournament to a dramatic close. Three Weeks, Three Acts of Polo Excellence. The tournament is structured to deliver sustained excitement across its three-week run: Week One opens with the Chapel Hill Denham Open Cup, setting the pace for elite competition. Week Two shifts focus to the iconic Majekodunmi Cup, the tournament’s crown jewel.Week Three concludes the festival with the Low Cup and Silver Cup, drawing record participation and delivering a spectacular finale. Beyond the major trophies, players will also contend for an impressive array of subsidiary cups, including the Oba of Lagos Cup, Governor’s Cup, Adedapo Ojora Memorial Cup, Sani Dangote Cup, Argentine Ambassador’s Cup, Independence Cup, Lagos Heritage Cup, and the socially impactful Cancer Awareness Bowl, among others.
More Than Polo: A Social and Cultural Extravaganza. Beyond the action on the field, the NPA/GTCO Lagos International Polo Tournament remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s elite social calendar. According to the Tournament Committee, a carefully curated entertainment lineup featuring leading performers and lifestyle experiences has been arranged to delight spectators, players, and invited guests throughout the festival. A distinguished gathering of high-profile personalities, business leaders, diplomats, and cultural influencers is expected, reinforcing the tournament’s status as a convergence point for sport, culture, and high society. GTCO’s Enduring Commitment to Excellence. A representative of GTCO reaffirmed the institution’s pride in sponsoring the tournament, noting that consistent corporate support has played a major role in the competition’s growth in team quality, local and international participation, and global recognition. According to the representative, the Lagos International Polo Tournament has evolved into one of the most anticipated sporting and social events on the international circuit, driven by professionalism, heritage, and shared values.
Setting New Benchmarks:- With intense team preparations, world-class players, upgraded facilities, and an enhanced spectator experience, organisers are confident that the 2025 NPA/GTCO Lagos International Polo Tournament will raise the bar even higher.As Dantata aptly summed it up, the tournament is not just about competition, it is about setting new standards in excitement, prestige, and global relevance.As the horses thunder onto the Ribadu Polo Ground this January, Lagos once again stands ready to host a sporting spectacle that blends history, excellence, and celebration cementing its place on the world polo map.