The 2024 Minna Polo Club National Tournament was held between the 9th and 13th of June 2024. It featured the participation of two exceptional beginner female players, Fatima Babangida Mohammed, and Hafsat Muhammad Kaseem, from the Minna Polo Club, and experienced player Hadiza Shehu from the Abuja Guards Polo Club, yet again showing the continuous rise of women’s participation in Nigerian Polo.
Fatima Babangida Mohammed
This tournament marked a series of firsts for Fatima Babangida. She competed in the Beginner’s stream under the Aisha Ibrahim Babangida (Aisha IBB) Cup and made her official Polo debut. Playing with the Phoenix Polo Team out of the prestigious El-Amin Stables, consisting of beginner male players – Zayn Fodio, Khalifa Babangida, and Khalil Babangida. She captained the team to their first thrilling victory, securing the coveted Aisha IBB Cup, a competition in honour of her mother.
In a series of video interviews by YaxsSportLens, learn about Fatima Babangida’s launch into the thrilling world of polo.
Phoenix Polo Team vs Minna Fresh Experience
Hafsat Muhammad Kaseem
Commemorating the life of a former director of the Nigerian Television Authority and former Minna Polo Club president, the Late Alhaji Kere Ahmed Memorial Cup served as the launchpad for Hafsat’s promising path in polo. Here, she made her first tournament debut, showcasing years of training while juggling school in Sokoto, Nigeria.
Hadiza Shehu
Hadiza Shehu’s impact and exemplary leadership in Nigerian women’s polo continue to grow. Her consistent tournament participation and unwavering support for beginner women players set her apart in the community.
At the 2024 Minna National Tournament, Hadiza played for Guards Warriors, an Abuja Guards Polo Club team. She showcased exceptional horsemanship and marking skills, securing a victory against the LimateefxAlphamsa Polo Team.
Additionally, she competed in the Late Alhaji Kere Ahmed Memorial Cup, a select match, where she faced Hafsat Mohammed and earned multiple trophies throughout the tournament.
Image credits: YaxSportLens and FotoNugget
