FirstBank Backs Century-Old Georgian Cup as El-Amin Claims 17th Title

FirstBank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the prestigious Georgian Cup Polo Tournament, a longstanding sporting partnership that has endured for more than a century.

The bank’s Group Head, Public Sector, Abuja, Bashir Ali, gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna on Sunday, following the conclusion of the 106th edition of the Kaduna International Polo Tournament.

Ali described the bank’s continued association with the competition as a source of pride, noting that the longevity of the sponsorship reflected the value the tournament continued to deliver to the financial institution.

“If there is no value, we would not be here for over 100 years. So, definitely, there is value,” he said.

For FirstBank, the Georgian Cup represents more than a sporting event. Its enduring sponsorship reflects a long-term commitment to supporting polo, promoting sporting excellence and sustaining an institution that has become an important part of Kaduna’s sporting heritage.

Ali said the tournament had continued to improve over the years, particularly in the quality of its playing field and the standard of competition, developments he described as encouraging for both the bank and the polo community.

“The field has continued to improve. The quality of play has also continued to improve. You can see what we are seeing today. It’s a great game, and we are proud to be associated with it,” he said.

His remarks came as the latest edition once again brought together players, teams and polo enthusiasts for a weekend of competition at Murtala Mohammed Square, Kaduna, reinforcing the tournament’s place on the state’s sporting calendar.

Adding an international dimension to the event’s longstanding history, Ali disclosed that the Kaduna Polo Club had submitted the Georgian Cup for consideration by the Guinness World Records as the longest-running sponsorship.

Such recognition, if secured, would further highlight the tournament’s exceptional longevity and the role of sustained corporate support in preserving sporting traditions across generations.

The 106th edition featured four teams—El-Amin, Musaco, Pop Cola and Malcomais—in the final day’s encounters, which produced closely contested action and a dramatic conclusion to the competition.

In the opening match, Musaco edged Pop Cola by six and a half goals to six, winning a closely fought encounter that kept spectators engaged until the final stages.

The Georgian Cup final between El-Amin and Malcomais proved equally competitive, with both sides finishing regulation play in a 10-10 draw. El-Amin, however, was awarded the trophy based on the outcome of their previous encounters.

The victory marked El-Amin Polo Club’s 17th triumph in the prestigious competition, extending its record as one of the most successful teams in the tournament’s history.

Beyond the scores and trophies, the tournament’s continued appeal lies in its ability to unite sporting talent, spectators and corporate partners around a tradition that has remained relevant for generations.

The Kaduna International Polo Tournament has established itself as a major fixture on the state’s sporting calendar, providing a platform for teams to compete for honours while celebrating the skill, discipline and excitement associated with the sport.

FirstBank’s renewed pledge to sustain its sponsorship underscores the importance of long-term corporate partnerships in keeping such events alive. As the Georgian Cup pursues possible Guinness World Records recognition, the bank’s commitment offers reassurance that one of polo’s enduring competitions will continue to attract players and enthusiasts in the years ahead.

For El-Amin, the latest victory adds another chapter to its distinguished record. For FirstBank and Kaduna’s polo community, the tournament’s enduring legacy remains a testament to the value of consistency, sporting excellence and a partnership that has stood the test of time.