The first stage of the glamorous MTN International Polo Tournament that has been spreading excitement across the country, ended last night with a bang with two bumper to bumper cup final lighting up the city.

From left, Former Bauchi Governor, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, Atedo Peterside, Chairman, Stanbic IBTC and Musiliu Obanokoro, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana during one of the sessions at the polo tournament.

The first stage final which were before a full house at the legendary Ribadu Road Polo Ground in Ikoyi saw Lagos and Kano teams going neck to neck in their traditional rivalry to decide the winner of the Dansa and the Lagos Low Cup.

In a dramatic and suspense filled Dansa Cup final, visiting Kano Yakassai came  from behind to snatch a sudden death victory against home boys, Lagos Petrogroup, smiling home with the glittering Dansa Cup.

The final score line standing at 5-5 at the end of the four regulated chukkers, the MTN powered grand fiesta went straight to the wire with a tense sudden death decider that came down in the third minute with a low strike by Yakassai’s top predator, Idris Ahmed.

‘We came fully prepared because the Lagos guys are always in a killer mood when playing before their crowd. Our game plan was simple, don’t allow them space and take every chance that come and it worked well,’ enthused Ahmed.

The second game of the day was the prestigious Lagos Low Cup final  in which Lagos Arkpolo gave their teeming Lagos fans plenty to celebrate, as they handed the highly ambitious Kano Suleya side a 41/2-3 defeat to clinch their first ever Lagos major title.

That victory came quite timely for the Lagosians who had earlier watched in shock as Lagos Petrogroup suffered a sudden death defeat in the hands of another Kano side in the Dansa Cup.

The MTN polo grand finale was witnessed by top dignitaries and teeming crowd of polo buffs that included the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu who arrived with his traditional chiefs, Umaru Shinkafi and other Trustees of the Lagos Polo Club, captains of industries and diplomats.

The Lagos Monarch, who was the Special Guest of Honour and Father of the Day, was on hand to present the highly revered Oba of Lagos Cup to the winners and the runners.