Polo in Nigeria

Polo in Nigeria is a sport as old as the country itself, first played by European naval officers in the early years of the twentieth century. The game was introduced to Lagos in 1914 before spreading to Northern Nigeria. Today, the Nigerian Polo Federation is the sport's highest administrative body. History The earliest games were played in Ikoyi on a strip of land between the Lagos Polo Club and Ikoyi Club . The first major competition was held in 1914, between German Kameroun and British Nigeria . Until 1960 its trophy was known as the Kaiser Wilhelm Cup (it had been donated by prominent German philanthropist Wilhelm Solf in the Kaiser's honor); after independence it became the Independence Cup. The comparatively low maintenance costs for horses in Nigeria (as opposed to Europe) and the monetary support of the West African Frontier Force made the sport very attractive to European expatriates. The West African Command had saddle clubs that advanced funds to officers to purchase ponies and stables where the ponies could be held. Most horses were Dongola breeds, Barbs or Asbens, a local crossbreed.