NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament 2026: Dates and Structure Announced
The Lagos Polo Club has officially announced the dates and competitive framework for the 2026 edition of the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament (LIPT), solidifying its position as one of Africa's most prestigious and enduring sporting spectacles. Scheduled to unfold from Tuesday, January 27 through Sunday, February 15, 2026, this three-week extravaganza will once again transform the Ikoyi district into a vibrant hub of elite sport, diplomatic engagement, and high society gatherings.
Tournament Structure and Key Competitions
The 2026 tournament will showcase four major competitions, each representing distinct levels of play and tradition within the sport of polo. The carefully structured schedule ensures continuous excitement throughout the event's duration.
- Chapel Hill Denham Open Cup – 10–12 Goal Handicap (Week One: January 26 – February 1, 2026)
- 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 across all three weeks)
Hosted at the historic Lagos Polo Club Grounds in Ikoyi, the tournament will feature some of the finest polo players from Nigeria and international destinations, competing in top-tier matches that attract a global audience of players, patrons, corporate leaders, and cultural influencers.
A Legacy of Sporting Excellence
Founded in 1904, the Lagos Polo Club stands as one of the oldest polo clubs in Africa and a living symbol of Nigeria's colonial and post-independence sporting heritage. For more than a century, this institution has served not only as a premier sporting venue but also as a significant 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, institutionalizing polo in Nigeria, and positioning Lagos as a serious destination on the global polo circuit. Its meticulously maintained grounds in Ikoyi—set against the backdrop of one of Africa's most dynamic cities—have witnessed historic matches, iconic rivalries, and the steady evolution of polo throughout the region.
Beyond the Field: Cultural and Economic Impact
The Lagos International Polo Tournament transcends mere athletic competition, having become synonymous with refined social gatherings, high-level networking opportunities, and meaningful 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 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.
Tournament Leadership and Sponsorship
The tournament will be managed by a distinguished panel including President Adeyemo Alakija, Tournament Manager Usman Dantata Jnr, and Deputy Tournament Manager Haleemah Harling, alongside representatives from main sponsor GTCO. The event enjoys support from a prestigious roster of sponsors including American Express, Dangote, Chapel Hill Denham, Veuve Clicquot, Bemil Security, IHS Towers, Stretford Hill Limited, Cardinal Stone, Mota-Engil Nigeria, BlueChip Technologies, Self Assembly Furniture, and Brithomes.
