Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Sports

2026 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament: Honoring Sporting Excellence, Heritage, and Global Polo Culture

The Lagos Polo Club has revealed the schedule and competitive framework for the 2026 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament, solidifying its reputation as one of Africa's most esteemed sporting events. This highly anticipated tournament will take place from January 27 to February 15, 2026, showcasing elite polo talent and fostering high-level social interactions.

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The Lagos Polo Club has officially announced the dates and competitive format for the upcoming 2026 edition of the NPA

Lagos International Polo Tournament (LIPT), once again confirming its place as one of the continent’s leading and most enduring sporting spectacles.

Set to occur from Tuesday, January 27 to Sunday, February 15, 2026, this tournament will once again transform Ikoyi into a hub of elite sports, international diplomacy, and high society.

Taking place at the historical Lagos Polo Club Grounds in Ikoyi, the tournament will span three weeks of premium competition, bringing together some of the best polo players from Nigeria and beyond. Considered a cornerstone of West Africa’s athletic and social calendar, the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament attracts a diverse audience of international players, patrons, corporate leaders, and cultural influencers.

!Panel for the press conference. Comprising of the President, Adeyemo Alakija, Tournament Manager Usman Dantata Jnr, Deputy Tournament Manager Haleemah Harling, and representatives of main sponsor GTCO.

Tournament Format and Major Competitions:

The 2026 tournament will feature four key competitions, each representing different levels of play and traditions within the sport:

\- Chapel Hill Denham Open Cup 10–12 Goal Handicap (Week One: January 26 – February 1, 2026)

Panel for the press conference. Comprising of the President, Adeyemo Alakija, Tournament Manager and Deputy Tournament Manager; Usman Dantata Jnr and Haleemah Harling, respectively, and representatives of our main sponsor GTCO.

\- Majekodunmi Cup 14 Goal and Above Handicap (Week Two: February 2 – February 8, 2026)

\- Low Cup 6–8 Goal Handicap (Week Three: February 9 – February 15, 2026)

\- Silver Cup 0–2 Goal Handicap (Running concurrently throughout all three weeks)

A Historic and Prestigious Club

Image showcasing the atmosphere at the Lagos International Polo Tournament.

Established in 1904, the Lagos Polo Club is recognized as one of the oldest polo clubs in Africa and serves as a testament to Nigeria’s colonial past as well as its post-independence sporting heritage.

For over a century, the Club has functioned not just as a sporting body but also as a cultural hub, welcoming generations of Nigerian leaders, diplomats, and global visitors.

Through the years, the Lagos Polo Club has significantly contributed to the development of local talent, institutionalizing polo in Nigeria, and establishing Lagos as a prominent hub on the world polo circuit. Its well- maintained grounds in Ikoyi, set against the vibrant backdrop of one of Africa’s most energetic cities, have hosted landmark matches, notable rivalries, and the evolution of polo in the region.

More Than Just a Tournament

Another view from the Lagos International Polo Tournament.

Beyond the athletic competition, the Lagos International Polo Tournament has become an emblematic event associated with exclusive social gatherings, high- level networking, and cultural exchanges. The event enhances Lagos’ hospitality, tourism, and creative sectors, attracting global visitors and showcasing the city’s elegance, vibrancy, and potential to host high-caliber events.

As Nigeria continues to establish its presence on the global stage, the 2026 Lagos International Polo Tournament embodies a larger narrative: The fusion of tradition with modernity, the meeting of sports and culture, and Lagos asserting itself as a confident cosmopolitan center of African excellence.

This tournament is sponsored by: American Express, GTCO, Dangote, Chapel Hill Denham, Veuve Clicquot, Bemil Security, IHS, Stretford Hill Limited, Cardinal Stone, Mota-Engil Nigeria, BlueChip Technologies, Self Assembly Furniture, Brithomes, and IHS Towers.

For more details, visit the Website.

Participants at the Lagos International Polo Tournament enjoying the event.

Contact:

For General inquiries: [email protected]

For media accreditation: Toyosi Adedeji, [email protected]

For advertising in the LIPT 2026 Magazine: [email protected]

Follow @lagospoloclub for more updates.

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