Junaid begins new era at Guards Polo Club, unveils ambitious programmes for 2026

By Anan Geolengs

A new era has begun at the prestigious Guards Polo Club, Abuja following the election of Mustapha Junaid as president.

Junaid emerged president of the club on April 6, after previously serving as first vice president.

An active polo player and administrator, Junaid pledged to reposition the club and further strengthen its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading polo destinations.

“We are committed to building on the club’s rich heritage and taking Guards Polo Club to greater heights,” he said.

According to him, the club boasts world-class polo facilities capable of competing with top polo destinations around the world.

“Our facilities remain among the best globally and continue to attract top players and distinguished guests from within and outside Nigeria,” he added.

Junaid also noted that the club’s serene ambience and lush green polo fields would continue to receive proper maintenance and upgrades.

He disclosed that several programmes and initiatives had been designed to enhance members’ experience and promote the growth of polo nationwide.

“We are putting strategic plans in place to ensure that polo enthusiasts remain actively engaged throughout the year,” he said.

The president announced that the club would host the 2026 Abuja National Carnival Polo Tournament in December.

He described the tournament as the club’s flagship annual equestrian event, traditionally held over two weeks and featuring top Nigerian teams.

According to him, the competition includes major honours such as the prestigious President’s Cup, attracting elite players and polo enthusiasts from across the country.

“We are determined to make this year’s edition bigger, more competitive and more entertaining for participants and spectators alike,” Junaid said.

He added that the club had lined up several tournaments and social activities to sustain excitement within the polo community.

Upcoming events include the Id el Kabir/Children’s Day Polo Tournament scheduled for May 27–28, and the Democracy Day Polo Tournament on June 12.

Other events are the Id el Maulud Polo Tournament on Aug. 26 and the Independence Polo Tournament slated for Oct. 1.

“We will also organise several high-quality and highly competitive in-house tournaments, with more than 24 top-rated teams expected to participate,” he said.

Junaid further revealed plans to organise children’s clinics and grassroots development programmes aimed at nurturing young talent in the sport.

“We want to develop the next generation of polo players and create opportunities for young people to embrace the game,” he said.