Nigeria, located on the Gulf of Guinea, is a densely populated, culturally vibrant, and geographically diverse country in West Africa. In a stunning combination of highlands, mountains, plateaus, and rainforests, it is no surprise that Nigeria is home to a wide variety of national parks such as the Yankari National Park and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park that attract many of the country’s visitors. In addition, Nigeria’s coastline offers incredible beach fronts including the Tarkwa Bay Beach in Lagos, the largest city in Nigeria. Although the geography of the country lends itself to many picturesque travel destinations, it also makes Nigeria an excellent location for the sport of polo, which has existed in the country for more than a century.
Lagos
Lagos, meaning “Lake” in Portuguese, is a port city built across a collection of islands, and home to more than fifteen different beaches. Although most of the beaches are accessible via water taxi, many have become privatized, which makes the Tarkwa Bay Beach even more special as one of Lagos’ last public beaches. Tarkwa is largely isolated, making it an ideal spot to rest and relax, or try out surfing and scuba lessons in the pristine waters.
Beyond the many beaches to explore in Lagos, at the heart of the city is a memorial and leisure park known as Freedom Park. Freedom Park, originally designed as a prison, is now a shrine to Nigerian history, as well as a cultural hub for a variety of concerts, festivals, and other social events that attract visitors from around the world.
But, in order to see this history come to life in an exhibition of skill and competition, every visitor of Lagos should seek out a polo match at the Lagos Polo Club.
Located in Ikoyi, Lagos, the Lagos Polo Club is the most well-known polo club in Nigeria. Since its inception in 1904, as a result of the influence of British Naval officers, the Lagos Polo Club has grown to have an impressive member base that has positioned the club to host a variety of tournaments in the Nigerian Polo Association circuit and operate a Riding Academy. Being one of the oldest polo clubs in Nigeria, the Lagos Polo Club is a unique and exciting way to experience the country’s history and take part in a growing piece of Nigeria’s culture.
Abuja
Moving away from the southwestern area of the country and toward central Nigeria; the capital city of Abuja is Africa’s fastest growing city. Its enjoyable climate and accessibility from many of the country’s other popular locations and business districts makes Abjua a bustling location that is typically overlooked as only a byway to other cities. However, Abuja has much to offer any guest that has the chance to visit.
Most notably, Abuja is often visited for its massive natural monolith known as the Zuma Rock , located on the main road from Abuja to Kaduna. Featured on Nigeria’s national currency, this breathtaking, 300 meter intrusion is a great first stop going into the heart of Abuja, where travelers can shop for souvenirs in the Wuse Market and experience the greater culture of the city through the Abuja National Mosque, whose golden dome towers over the city. In addition, Abuja is home to the Guards Polo Club Abuja, which embodies polo’s origins as the “sport of kings”.
The Guards Polo Club Abuja was originally formed through a connection between His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammed Sani and the Nigerian Army in 1999. The club’s polo fields, riding tracks, and club facilities surround the Brigade of Guards Stable grounds, and offer views of the Zuma Rock. Similar to the Lagos Polo Club, the Guards Polo Club Abuja also hosts multiple tournaments throughout the year and is home to a rapidly growing member base of more than 100 players and over 500 horses. The club is a testament to both Nigeria’s military and royal history, as well as an exemplification of the growing popularity of the sport across the country.
Written in collaboration with Lily Brennan