The prestigious Keffi Polo Ranch Tournament, held annually at the ranch founded by Distinguished Senator Aliyu A. Wadada, is a major event on the Nigerian polo calendar, attracting teams and players nationwide and internationally.
This year’s edition, held from June 24th to 30th, 2024, witnessed a historical moment with the participation of four phenomenal ladies.
Traditionally, polo in Nigeria has been a sport dominated by men. However, these four women – Hadiza Shehu, Shukriyya Tukur, Tope Emiola, and Hafsat Sirika – are rewriting the narrative. They break through limitations by actively collaborating, improving their skills, and demonstrating their passion for the sport by venturing beyond their home clubs to compete in prestigious tournaments like Keffi.
The Danyaya Challenge Cup 🏆
The June 2024 edition of the Keffi Polo Ranch tournament saw the introduction of the Danyaya Challenge Cup, an exciting initiative by tournament manager Baba Duna. This new cup, in honour of the late Alhaji Usman Danyaya of Keffi, specifically aims to encourage participation from upcoming polo players, both male, and female. The Danyaya Challenge Cup proved to be a success, as three out of the four teams competing for the Cup included a female player:
- Hadiza Shehu brought her talents to the Maloney FM team.
- Shukriyya Tukur displayed her skills for the Flour Mills of Nigeria team.
- Tope Emiola captained the African Women’s Polo Team.
Hadiza Shehu for Maloney FM
Shukriyya Tukur for Flour Mills of Nigeria
Tope Emiola for African Women Polo – Winners of the Danyaya Challenge Cup🏆
A Special Debut for Hafsat Sirika
This year’s tournament also held a special significance for Hafsat Sirika. Participating in the low-cup competition alongside her brothers marked her debut in a major tournament. This not only highlights her dedication to the sport but also hints at the evolving landscape of polo in Nigeria, where women’s participation is increasingly becoming a family affair.
The participation of these four women is a significant milestone for Nigerian polo. They are exceptional athletes and role models who are paving the way for future generations of female polo players.
Their courage and talent are inspiring a more inclusive future for the sport, where women can compete at the highest levels and achieve their dreams on the polo field.
