The Lagos Polo Club has announced the dates and competitive structure for the 2026 edition of the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament (LIPT), reaffirming its status as one of Africa’s most prestigious and enduring sporting events.
Scheduled to run from Tuesday, January 27, to Sunday, February 15, 2026, the tournament will once again transform Ikoyi into a vibrant hub of elite sport, diplomacy and high society.
Hosted at the historic Lagos Polo Club Grounds in Ikoyi, the three-week festival of polo will feature top-tier competition involving some of the finest players from Nigeria and across the globe.
Long regarded as a cornerstone of West Africa’s sporting and social calendar, the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament consistently attracts an international audience of players, patrons, corporate leaders, diplomats and cultural tastemakers.
The 2026 edition will also feature a rich lineup of trophy events, including the Heritage Cup, Oba of Lagos Cup, Cancer Awareness Bowl and the Governors Cup, further enhancing the tournament’s competitive depth while celebrating the Club’s legacy and institutional partnerships.
Alakija Hails Landmark First Tournament as President
Speaking at the official press conference, Lagos Polo Club President, Adeyemo Alakija, described the 2026 tournament as a landmark edition, marking his first as President of the Club.
“This will be my first Lagos International Polo Tournament as president, and we are expecting a lot of polo action, a lot of camaraderie among ourselves, and a full calendar of social events throughout the tournament,” Alakija said.
Strong Participation Expected Across All Levels
Usman Dantata, tournament manager, highlighted the scale of participation expected in 2026, pointing to the depth and quality of competition across all levels of play.
“We are expecting close to 30 teams, made up of about 120 players, competing throughout the tournament, with over 480 horses on and off the field,” Dantata said.
On security, crowd control and logistics, Dantata assured players, guests and partners that comprehensive measures have been put in place to ensure a safe and seamless tournament experience.
A Club Steeped in History and Heritage
Founded in 1904, the Lagos Polo Club is one of the oldest polo clubs in Africa and remains a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s colonial and post-independence sporting heritage.
For more than a century, the Club has served not only as a sporting institution but also as a social and cultural landmark, hosting generations of Nigerian leaders, diplomats and international guests.
Over the decades, the Lagos Polo Club has played a pivotal role in nurturing local talent, institutionalising polo in Nigeria and positioning Lagos as a key destination on the global polo circuit.
Its manicured Ikoyi grounds, set against the backdrop of one of Africa’s most dynamic cities, have witnessed historic matches, iconic rivalries and the steady evolution of polo in the region.
Beyond Polo: Culture, Networking and Global Appeal
Beyond the field of play, the Lagos International Polo Tournament has become synonymous with refined social gatherings, high-level networking and cultural exchange.
The event contributes significantly to Lagos’ hospitality, tourism and creative economies, drawing international visitors while showcasing the city’s sophistication, energy and capacity to host world-class events.
As Nigeria continues to assert itself on the global stage, the 2026 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament reflects a broader narrative of tradition meeting modernity, sport intersecting with culture and Lagos positioning itself as a confident, cosmopolitan capital of African excellence.
Sponsors Powering the 2026 Edition
The 2026 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament is proudly sponsored by GTCO, Arbico, Chapel Hill Denham, American Express, Veuve Clicquot, Brithomes & Hill International, SAF, Mota-Engil Nigeria, Dangote, Bemil Security, Stretford Hill Limited, Optima Energy, BlueChip Technologies, IHS Towers, CardinalStone, Snepco and Mainstreet Capital.
