BELLO Buba is a northerner, through and through. Humble, loyal and passionate about his beliefs. The Nigerian polo legend hails from Jos, Plateau State, but resides in Kaduna from where he pursues his favourite game around the world. He now makes a living out of the king's game.His interest in the game of kings has been high right from childhood when he started following the game as a spectator in the northern part of Nigeria, where the royals are famous for delighting themselves with it. It was always a thing of joy for Buba and his likes to come close to the blue-blooded during polo games, so they never missed any chance to enjoy polo, as it doubled as a chance to mix with the royals.So Buba's entry into the game of kings was primarily for fun and to enhance his chance of mixing with the royals. This is perhaps why he set no professional target for himself at the outset.Fortunately for him, his involvement in the game has seen him rise to become Nigeria's highest ranked polo player, a crowd puller and consummate professional.These qualities came to the fore recently at the 2012 MTN Zaria Polo International Festival, where Buba demonstrated his prowess by pivoting Katsina Max Air to win the biggest prize, the Royal Signal Trophy, before steering Kaduna Safaz Shelter to their first ever Emir of Zazzau Cup title.He also carted home the highest individual prize at the tourney, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in addition to two other individual prizes. It can be safely said that he stole the show.In reaction to the accolades he got at the tournament, Buba praised the fans and dedicated the trophies he won to them. He declared: 'It feels great to realise how much joy one's effort has brought to the lives of the teeming polo enthusiasts across the country and Zaria in particular. Their support and belief in me has been the driving force and I want to dedicate these victories to my teeming fans.'Who can question his joy' For someone who set out just to have fun and mix with the high class to be rewarded with all these, he humbly acknowledged, 'I can't really place or quantify it. It's the work of the Almighty Allah and I feel happy each time I see the crowd leaping with joy saluting my display at every game.'I want to personally thank MTN for its upper ground sponsorship and commitment to the promotion of the game of kings and sports generally in Nigeria,' he added, while pledging to always give his best at every polo event.He singled out the MTN Zaria 2012 International Polo festival as the biggest and the most exciting in years, urging other corporate firms to emulate the communication giants in its drive of adding 'value to lives of million of Nigerians through the ancient game of polo that has become one of the biggest corporate sports globally.'Enthusiasts are of the opinion that Buba's high rating, Zazzau's rich history and MTN's involvement combined to heighten expectations and attract the rich field witnessed when the game of kings made its highly anticipated return to the Zazzau Kingdom with pomp and fanfare recently.The MTN Zaria 2012 International Polo Tournament remains indelible in the annals of history starting from its colourful opening ceremony, to the entry and participation of 32 teams from across Nigeria, to its flourishing climax played out in front of a surging crowd. All these elucidate that the aristocrats' game was truly at home in Zaria.The week long prestigious international polo tourney had a flourishing climax with Katsina, Kaduna and Yola sweeping the stakes. Host Zaria finished on high with two impressive runners-up titles.Revered as one of the biggest polo festivals in Nigeria, the fiesta lived up to its competitive and grandiose tradition, leaving the ancient Zazzau kingdom and the neighbouring cities to savour its enduring legacies.The first cup of the MTN powered event was decided before a full house at the legendary Zaria Polo Ground. The event's biggest honour - the Royal Signal Cup saw the top firing Katsina Max Air emerging proud winners. The super quartet of Lawan Mangal, Umar Kabir, Muhammdu Seriki and Buba edged out two top rivals, Zaria Rubicon and Kaduna Keffi Ponies, to clinch the coveted title.The beginners were very much in the mix, as the promising MTN team comprising Jubrin Magaji, Nafiu Rabiu, Ibrahim Rabiu and Salisu Sasi etched its name in gold as the first team to win the newly introduced Beginners Cup.
Click here to read full news..
