Teams based in Lagos showcased their strength during the initial week of the 2026 Lagos International Polo Tournament, with three champions emerging as the competition escalates into a more intense phase featuring the prestigious Majekodunmi Cup in the upcoming week.
Lagos STL clinched the Adedapo Ojora Cup, while Lagos Art Hotel and Lagos Shoreline/A1 took home the Chapel Hill Denham Cup and the Oba of Lagos Cup, respectively, after navigating a competitive first week.
Backed by Seyi Tinubu, STL set an impressive pace for the home teams during the Adedapo Ojora Cup final, achieving a decisive 10–5 victory over fierce rivals Lagos Shoreline/A1 in a thrilling five-chukka match. The STL team, which included players like Yasin Amusan, Alfie Hyde, Chris Makenzie, and Tayo Ojora, took an early lead that they upheld, despite a determined response from the Shoreline/A1 players—Olumide Agboola, Sule Musa, Isa Kwame, and Manuel Crespo.
The trophy presentation was a poignant moment, particularly for Tayo Ojora, who received the award named after his late father. He expressed gratitude towards his teammates and characterized the triumph as profoundly significant for the Ojora family.
On the flip side, Shoreline/A1 found opportunity for redemption by winning the Oba of Lagos Cup final, where they triumphed over Wiltten Aviation from Port Harcourt with a score of 8–5. This match drew a full crowd, including officials from the Lagos Traditional Council representing the Oba’s Palace, and solidified Shoreline/A1's esteemed traditional status in polo.
The first week concluded dramatically on Sunday as Art Hotel Polo Team executed a stunning comeback to secure the Chapel Hill Denham Cup. After trailing 2–6 in the third chukka against favorites STL, Art Hotel rallied back for a remarkable 13–12 victory, marking their inaugural title in this tournament.
Guided by players Baba Dantata, Folarin Kuku, Segundo Llorente, and newcomer Bauti Panelo, Art Hotel faced what seemed an impending defeat, with only two chukkas left. Yet, inspired performances by Llorente and Panelo transformed the match, creating one of the tournament's most unforgettable climaxes.
Set to proceed with the Majekodunmi Cup—considered one of the most competitive polo championships in Africa—the 2026 Lagos International Polo Tournament commenced on January 27 at the Ribadu Polo Ground in Ikoyi. The following week will also feature other notable trophies, such as the Sani Dangote Cup, honoring the late president of the Lagos Polo Club, along with the Argentine Ambassador’s Cup, the Owen Cup, and Nigeria’s oldest polo trophy, the Independence Cup.
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