Niger Delta Polo Tournament To Kick-Off Jan 21

The maiden edition of Niger Delta international Polo tournament, organised by Port Harcourt Polo Club scheduled to commence on the 7th through 21st January is now to kick-off on the 21st through 28 the same month.

President of Port Harcourt Polo Club, Mr Ibifiri Bobmanuel disclosed this while briefing sports journalists on Wednesday, in Port Harcourt.

According to him, the shift in the date was as the result of the proposed national strike by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

“We cannot afford to host a tournament when  there is strike. Definitely the turn  out will be low, besides, the competitions an international one we are expecting professionals coming outside the country.

We as a club we like to wear a human face, in our doing at least to show solidarity to NLC Bobmanuel said.

The Polo Club President explained that the shift if done would not in any way affect preparations of the tournament, as the expected participants have already been informed earlier.

Speaking at the occasion the vice president of the club and chairman of the tournament Ibiwari Pepple said the club value security of human lives that is why it become paramount to shift the date.

“Security is very paramount in everything you are doing, we don’t want to put anybody life at risk because during the strike riot may occur..

I want to also say that it will be unwise to host tournament when you know there will be strike or riot. But the tournament would still be a bumper package: Pepple said.

The chairman of the tournament explained that Polo is not strickly for the rich saying that what is  important is for you to have the passion to play.

Tonye Orabere