The recent Yola’2024 International Polo Tournament was an unforgettable six days of top flight action, lots of sun and rain, and spectacular finals witnessed by royalties, top government officials, business gurus, diplomats and thousands of enthusiasts.
The much-heralded Adamawa fiesta that spread unparalleled excitement across the country came to a blistering climax over the weekend, with host teams winning two out of the four major prizes, while defending champions, Jos Malcomines secure back-to-back Governor Cup victory and SUN prize.
Event’s biggest prize, the Governor’s Cup that annually provided the highlight of the event, was in its full bloom as Murtala Laushi powered Jos Malcomines made good their pre-tournament rating, beating determined Haske 8 Williams from Yola, to retain the Governor’s Cup they won with flourish last year.
In a grudge finale watched by the Special Guest of honour, first class Emirs, top politicians and a crowded VIP stand loaded with dignitaries and thousands of enthusiastic polo fans across the country, Haske & Williams who had had drawn their opening game, fought hard to take the lead in the early chukka.
But in their trademark attacking campaigns that drew massive thumbs up from the crowd, the defending champions came from behind to defeat the ambitious home crowd favourites, with Malcomines Patron, Murtala Laushi tapping home the winner in the closing seconds of the tense final, to emerge the overall champions of the fiesta.