The excitement of Nigeria’s national polo tour is shifting into high gear as Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and other northern states get ready to host their annual tournaments. With the first leg of the season wrapping up recently at the 2025 Ibadan Polo Festival, attention has now turned northward, where polo is more than just a sport — it’s a cultural celebration.

First stop is Bauchi, where preparations are already in full swing for the 2025 Bauchi Polo Tournament scheduled from July 21 to 27. According to the Bauchi Polo Club, the event, which has long been the biggest sporting and tourism attraction in the state — famous for its Yankari Game Reserve — is expected to draw over 20 teams from across Nigeria. Local polo leaders say the excitement is palpable, with the state government and residents gearing up to host one of their grandest festivals of the year.

From Bauchi, the national polo caravan will head northwest to Katsina, the so-called “Home of Nigerian Polo,” for the prestigious 2025 Katsina International Polo Tournament. Set for August 16 to 23 at the historic Sir Usman Nagogo Polo Ground, this year’s edition promises top-tier action and lavish hospitality.

Prince Sanusi Kabir, Life President of Katsina Polo Club, recently assured sponsors, players, and polo fans of a thrilling tournament under the patronage of the Emir of Katsina and Life Chairman of Nigerian Polo, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulmumuni Kabir Usman. The centenarian Nigerian Cup will headline a long list of trophies, alongside the General Hassan Usman Katsina Cup, Muhammadu Dikko Cup, President’s Cup, Governor’s Cup, and several others. Individual players who shine will also be honored with special awards.

The polo train will then make its way to the ancient city of Kano, once a major hub on the Trans-Saharan trade route, for the Kano International Polo Tournament. Already generating buzz, the event is slated for the last week of September through the first week of October 2025, and is set to offer yet another spectacle of horsemanship and tradition.

Beyond these stops, the second phase of the tour will carry Nigeria’s polo elite to Argungu, Yola, Kaduna, Keffi, and Abuja, before culminating in Jos with the popular winter polo festival from December 26 to January 2, 2026.

As the polo season gallops on, the sport continues to reinforce its status as one of Nigeria’s premier corporate and social events. Each tournament promises to draw in new enthusiasts, celebrate heritage, and expand the vibrant polo community across the nation.