Ibadan Durante Wins Lagos International Polo Tournament, 2024 Silver Cup—-As Lagos Polo Tournament climaxed with the 2024 Silver Cup, Ibadan Durante on Sunday emerged winners in a fiercely contested final match on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five-member Ibadan Durante team defeated the Kano MSR sponsored by BUA Group 7 1/2 – 4.
The 2024 Lagos International polo tournament Silver Cup which is the 120th edition, was sponsored by Coronation Group Ltd, and had its grand finale at the Lagos Polo Club, SW Ikoyi, Lagos.
The Coronation Group Limited sponsored prestigious Lagos polo fiesta that marked its 120th anniversary, galloped with fanfare on Feb. 13 and ended on Feb. 18, at the historic Lagos Polo Club, Ribadu Road.
The well attended tournament had a record 14 teams from across all the major polo centres in the country that campaigned for honours in which Ibadan Durante emerged as the overall winners
Rita Alakija, Captain of Ibadan Durante, (M) , with cup as winners of Lagos international polo tournament, 2024 Silver Cup held at Lagos Polo Club Ribadu Road Ikoyi
An excited Captain of the Ibadan Durante, Rita Alakija, who was the only female in the team’s final, expressed joy winning the tournament in its remarkable year.
“I am excited winning this tournament this year and it’s remarkable for us winning because this is what we wanted.
“Our opponent gave us a brave fight, but we are able to get it right, ” she said.
The Most Valuable Player of the Tournament and member of Ibadan Durante, Carl Alakija, commended the organisers of the tournament adding that he was impressed with the growth of Polo sport in Nigeria.
“It’s really good to come and win here all the way from Ibadan and of course, we are proud winners.
“It’s a tough tournament for us, for me, I have been playing Polo since I was younger, but I played last in the tournament about four years ago.
“I am back to play alongside and support my sister, Rita and Carl, because we know that Kano MSR are tough to play against because they run well.
“Polo is fast improving in Nigeria with many upcoming players, all we can do is to give them chance or opportunities to impress, ” he said.
Sadiq Rabiu, Captain of Kano MSR, said that the winners deservedly won the cup.
“Our opponent played very well and they are deserving winners.
“The organisation of the tournament is very good and commendable, we now have lots of youngsters coming on board especially from Abuja and Lagos.
“We will make sure we encourage more people to come and enjoy and play polo in Nigeria, ” he said.
NAN reports that Carl Alakija won the Most Disciplined Player of the tournament while Koye Ige won the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament.
BREAKING: Arsenal Defeat Chelsea 2-1 at Emirates to Extend Unbeaten Run—-The Gunners came from behind after Morgan Rogers’ early opener, with Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard completing a comeback victory to maintain Arsenal’s perfect start to the Premier League season.
Arsenal produced another statement performance at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, coming from behind to defeat Chelsea 2-1 and maintain their perfect start to the Premier League campaign.
Chelsea stunned the home crowd after just 77 seconds, when Morgan Rogers fired Xabi Alonso’s side into an early lead. Arsenal, however, responded strongly and gradually took control of the contest.
Kai Havertz restored parity in the 25th minute against his former club, finishing Arsenal’s sustained pressure to make it 1-1 before the break.
The Gunners continued to dominate after the restart and completed the comeback through captain Martin Ødegaard, who struck early in the second half after Havertz’s clever movement helped create the opening.
Chelsea pushed desperately for an equaliser late on, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced a crucial save to deny Estêvão and preserve all three points for the hosts.
The victory means Arsenal remain on nine points from three matches, level with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. Chelsea, meanwhile, suffer their first league defeat of the season and remain on six points.
For Mikel Arteta, the comeback further underlined Arsenal’s championship credentials. The reigning champions showed composure after conceding their first goal of the campaign and once again demonstrated their ability to respond under pressure.
Chelsea’s defeat will be frustrating for Alonso, particularly after his side made such a fast start. Despite their attacking threat, Arsenal’s control and defensive resilience ultimately proved decisive.
The result also extends Arsenal’s remarkable unbeaten run against Chelsea to 12 matches across all competitions, further strengthening the Gunners’ recent dominance in the London derby.
BREAKING: Manchester City Agree £125m Deal to Sign Enzo Fernández From Chelsea On Deadline Day—-Cityzens have reached a British record-equalling agreement with Chelsea for the Argentina international on Deadline Day, with Fernández set to undergo his medical.
Manchester City have agreed a £125 million deal with Chelsea to sign Enzo Fernández in one of the biggest transfers of Deadline Day.
The agreement, reported by Sky Sports and other leading outlets, will see the Argentina international leave Stamford Bridge for the Etihad Stadium in a move that matches the British transfer record previously set by Liverpool’s £125m signing of Alexander Isak.
Fernández is expected to undergo his medical before completing the transfer, with City working against the clock to finalise the deal before the summer transfer window closes.
Maresca Reunites With Fernández
The move will see Fernández reunite with Enzo Maresca, who previously coached him at Chelsea and is now Manchester City’s manager.
Maresca is understood to have been a major driving force behind City’s pursuit of the midfielder as he looks to reshape his squad and strengthen the centre of midfield.
Fernández played an important role during Maresca’s time at Stamford Bridge, helping Chelsea win major silverware before the Italian manager’s move to Manchester.
Chelsea Accept Record Fee
Chelsea signed Fernández from Benfica in January 2023 for approximately £107 million, making him one of the most expensive players in Premier League history at the time.
Just over three years later, Chelsea have agreed to sell the 25-year-old for £125 million, representing a significant return on their original investment.
The Argentine had recently been left out of Chelsea’s squad for successive matches, increasing speculation that his Stamford Bridge future was coming to an end.
City Make Deadline-Day Statement
Manchester City had been pursuing Fernández for much of the summer, but negotiations intensified dramatically as the transfer deadline approached.
Chelsea had previously valued their midfielder at around £120 million and had initially expected him to remain at the club after an earlier deadline for bids passed without a formal offer. However, City’s interest never disappeared, and the two clubs eventually found an agreement on Deadline Day.
The final £125 million package now puts Fernández level with the British transfer record.
Fernández Begins New Chapter
For Fernández, the transfer brings an end to a turbulent period at Chelsea and opens a new chapter under a manager he already knows.
The World Cup-winning midfielder arrived in England with enormous expectations after starring for Argentina and Benfica.
At Manchester City, he will be expected to become a central figure in Maresca’s midfield and help the club compete on multiple fronts.
A Record-Breaking Transfer
The £125 million agreement places Fernández among the most expensive players in football history and makes the Deadline Day transfer one of the biggest stories of the summer window.
City are now racing to complete the remaining formalities, including the medical, before the deadline.