Guardian

THE prestigious MTN/Abuja Unity Polo tournament took to a blistering start on Monday with matches for three cups setting the stage for another exciting MTN Unity Polo fiesta in the Federal Capital Territory.

Three games were decided before a capacity crowd after a colourful opening ceremony at the serene Guard Polo Club in Asokoro, with Sultana Farms, Bauchi Nadabo and Abuja Corsa teams putting up impressive shows in their respective campaigns.

The prestigious polo fiesta, which is reputed for its high profile competition, lived up to its billing as Sultana Farms from Katsina made good their pre -tournament rating, handing Abuja AL-Barak a thumping 81/2-3 defeat to set the pace in the Legislative Shield race.

The Suleiman Shema-led Sultana parading Tijani Hassan, Hassan Masanawa and Usman Idris playing in Katsina colours took the lead right from the first chukka of the hotly contested game and remained in front all the way to the final bell.

“We want to thank our numerous fans, whose supports gave us the energy to go all the way. It was a sweet victory and as far as the Legislative Shield is concern, Sultana Farm is the team to beat in this tournament,” declared an elated Shema.

The Prince Mubarak powered Al-Barak, who were playing their third MTN/Abuja Unity Polo tournament, had arrived with high hopes of clinching their first title. But their push came a little late as the Katsina guys had already opened up a wide goals margin from the third chucka of the tense clash.

Debuting Bauchi Nadabo, who are making their first attempt at winning the glittering Guards Trophy, left no one in doubt about their intention as they upset defending champions, Abuja Unity Bank 5-4 in a closely fought battle that gave the capacity crowd a good value for their money.

“Winning our first game against a good side like Abuja Unity Bank was not an easy task, but our determination and team work did it for us, and we are looking forward to going all the way to the final and eventually winning the cup,’ enthused Haruna Ningi of Nadabo.

The opening day of the prestigious MTN/Abuja Unity Polo, which is staged as part of festivities marking this year’s Democracy Day, produced another impressive win as new comers, NSK Farmers shut down the tall ambition of Abuja Corsa team 6-41/2, in the opening game of the Guards Challenge Cup.

The week-long MTN polo fiesta continues today as Corsa seeks to redeem their bruised image against DMP in the their second Guards Challenge Cup contest, just as Bauchi Nadabo brace up to consolidate their Guards Trophy leadership against hard fighting Trade Mark squad.

AL-Barak are pitched against the star studded Abuja Sublime side that boost the likes of Bello Buba and Baba Kyari, in a dicey clash that would decide their fate in crowded Guards Trophy that would go neck-to-neck till the final.