Malcomines, Kangiwa, Minna Bago seek encore at Port Harcourt  Polo

Defending Champions, Jos Malcomines, Katsina Kangiwa, Minna Bago are set for sensational  defence of their titles as the 2026 Port Harcourt International Polo Tournament, themed “United by The Game”, gallops off this weekend at the foremost GRA Polo Ground in the Garden City.

The trio led by the Jos-based polo kings that won the high goal trophy last year, have laid strong claims to retain the titles insisting that they are in the Garden City for more Niger Delta polo glories this year.

The 2026 prestigious annual festival will also serve as a special memorial, marking 20 years since the passing of past club president and polo icon,  Roland Cookey-Gam.

The President of Port Harcourt Polo Club, Prince Henry Agbodjan, who disclosed this at a media briefing, stated that this year’s edition seeks to deepen unity and inclusiveness, declaring that the annual festival has over the years, serves as a major commercial boost for Rivers State economy as well as the Niger Delta region.

“As part of preparations for this tournament, we have one of our own who we lost 20 years ago in a plane crash. Rowland Cookey-Gam as you can see clearly in the emblem for this year’s tournament.”

 “This year, we’re going to use this tournament to eulogize him, remember him, and of course, appreciate his work for polo within the Harcourt Polo Club and polo in general around the world.”

Prince Agbodjan noted that the club was able to achieve its goals during the last tournament, especially in the area of catching them young and taking polo to the grassroots.  “So, we are going to build on the program that was very well received by the public by intensifying the program.”

He commended the Rivers State Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), alongside other private and corporate sponsors for their continued support to the club over the years, whilst assuring that the flagship polo tournament in the country would continue to draw people from all walks of life.

Major prizes to be contested for in the weeklong carnival include King Alfred Diete-Spiff, King T.J.T Princewill, T.Y Danjuma, Armed Forces Remembrance, President, Governor Cups, as well the Rowland Cookey-Gam played in honour of late former president of the club, Rowland Cookey-Gam.

Captain of Port Harcourt Polo Club, Dr. Ikenna Nebolisa who also confirmed that Port Harcourt was ready to rock in the weeklong polo extravaganza, disclosed that players from Iran, Mexico, England, Argentina, among others would be participating at the tourney, in addition to entries from Lagos, Ibadan, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina and Jos.

He noted that the tournament, themed ‘United in the Game,’ aims to provide a lively and enjoyable experience for polo enthusiasts nationwide, with billboard entertainment and a variety of social activities to spice the New Year celebrations.

The captain added that, apart from the matches, attendees could look forward to opportunities to purchase items at affordable rates from the tournament’s Micro Market throughout the fiesta.

Dr. Nebolisa also disclosed that matches would take place daily while the teams would compete in high-goal, medium goal and Low-goal categories.

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