By Constance Adaurie
FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, has reaffirmed its commitment to sports development as the prestigious Georgian Cup Polo Tournament returns to the Kaduna Polo Club from 16 to 24 October 2026.
Recognised as one of the most prestigious trophies in African polo, the Georgian Cup will once again bring together leading polo teams, accomplished players and enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond for nine days of high-level competition. The tournament remains a key fixture on the nation’s sporting calendar, renowned for combining elite polo action with networking and social engagement.
FirstBank’s association with the Georgian Cup dates back to 1919, making it one of the longest-running sports sponsorships in the world. Donated by the Bank more than a century ago, the Georgian Cup remains the oldest and most respected polo trophy in West Africa and a symbol of the enduring partnership between FirstBank and the Kaduna Polo Club.
This year’s tournament is expected to attract top teams and players competing for one of the sport’s most coveted honours, while offering participants and spectators an opportunity to experience the rich tradition, competitiveness and camaraderie that have defined the Georgian Cup for generations.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Shehu Aliyu, Executive Director, Public Sector Directorate, FirstBank Group said:
“The Georgian Cup occupies a unique place in the history of Nigerian sport, and we are proud to continue our longstanding support for a tournament that has remained a benchmark for excellence in polo for over a century. Our association with the Georgian Cup is the longest standing for any legacy sport in Nigeria. We look forward to another exciting edition that celebrates skill, sportsmanship and the enduring appeal of the game.”
The sponsorship forms part of FirstBank’s First@Sport initiative, through which the Bank continues to support sporting excellence and stakeholder engagement across various disciplines.
As teams prepare to compete for polo’s most coveted prize, the 2026 Georgian Cup promises another memorable chapter in a tournament whose rich history continues to resonate across generations of players, fans and supporters.
