- NPF President Nura Sani Kangiwa collaborates with the Ministry of Sports to advance polo development in Nigeria, seeking support
- Kangiwa emphasizes polo’s inclusivity, dispelling misconceptions, and seeks ministry support for hosting national tournaments and international participation
The President of the Nigeria Polo Federation (NPF), Nura Sani Kangiwa, has joined forces with the Ministry of Sports Development to advance the development of polo in Nigeria. This collaboration was revealed during Kangiwa’s courtesy visit to the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan-Enoh, on Thursday.
Highlighting Nigeria’s prominent position in global polo, Kangiwa emphasized the country’s status as one of the largest polo-playing nations with 27 clubs and 33 playing fields nationwide. Contrary to misconceptions, he stressed that polo is not exclusive to the elite but is an active team sport encompassing individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and ethnicities.
During the visit, Kangiwa sought the ministry’s support for hosting an annual National Polo Tournament in Abuja and assistance in the NPF’s participation in international polo tournaments and friendlies.
In response, Owan-Enoh affirmed that polo is not solely a sport for the elite, challenging the common perception. He expressed the ministry’s dedication to fostering polo’s growth in Nigeria and expressed a willingness to collaborate with other government agencies, including the Ministries of Agriculture and Health, to address equine health concerns such as African Horse Sickness.
This partnership signals a concerted effort to promote and enhance the stature of polo in Nigeria, breaking stereotypes and expanding its reach across diverse segments of the population.