The Management of Kaduna Polo Club has announced plans to host the first-ever Dawule Baba Memorial Tournament, a prestigious event dedicated to honoring the legacy of Nigeria’s renowned polo icon, Alhaji Dawule Baba, who recently passed away in Egypt. Dawule Baba, affectionately known in sporting circles as the “Polo Professor,” died at the age of 66. His passing was announced by the club last month. Until his death, the esteemed Nigerian polo ambassador was a valued member of the Board of Trustees of the Kaduna Polo Club.

The memorial tournament is scheduled to take place from June 12 to June 15, 2025, at the historic polo grounds of Murtala Mohammed Square in Kaduna. This four-day polo fiesta will see teams competing for honors across three main categories: high-goal, medium-goal, and low-goal. In addition to these competitive categories, the event will also feature matches in a Beginners’ category and special Veterans games, which will bring together polo patrons, particularly those who played alongside Dawule Baba during his heyday as a master of the game.

In a multimedia release, the Tournament Committee of the Kaduna Polo Club emphasized that the event aims to celebrate the enduring legacies of the late polo legend. Dawule Baba was described as a most beloved member and benefactor whose contributions to the prominence of the Kaduna Polo Club and the development of the noble game of polo in Kaduna, throughout Nigeria, and globally are considered unquantifiable. Some of the best polo stars from across the country are expected to assemble for this commemorative event.

The tournament, which will predominantly feature Kaduna-based teams and players, is also open to teams and polo enthusiasts from all over the country. The club extended an open invitation, stating, “In honor of a legend, the four days polo fiesta is open to everyone, polo patrons, players, teams and polo enthusiasts who wish to join us in event of prayers, polo, and remembrance for Dawule Baba, The Teacher.”

Organizers have indicated that the grand finale on Sunday, June 15, 2025, will be graced by numerous dignitaries. The Kaduna State Governor is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour. Other anticipated attendees include captains of industries, top politicians, traditional rulers, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and visiting dignitaries from around the world.

A significant highlight of the four-day extravaganza will be the official unveiling of the late Dawule Baba Polo Field. This dedication, scheduled for the final day of the fiesta, will serve as a lasting tribute to his immense impact on the sport and the club.

Last month, Kaduna Polo Club had formally announced Alhaji Dawule Baba's passing with a heartfelt statement. “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of a true legend of the game —Alhaji Dawule Baba, a cherished member of our Polo community and a member of the Board of Trustees of Kaduna Polo Club — who passed away in Egypt,” the club mourned. The statement further pledged, “His passion for polo, his sportsmanship, and his enduring legacy both on and off the field will be remembered with admiration and respect.”