By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON, Kaduna
Patron of the Kaduna El-Amin Polo team, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has finally disclosed why he was absent from leading his team all through their matches played while defending Africa’s most prestigious polo trophy; the Georgian Cup at the 2016 Kaduna International Polo Tournament.
Fielding questions from newsmen when he was cornered during the closing ceremony of the tournament at the Murtala Square, Kaduna on Saturday, he said his ‘missing in action’ was a calculated strategy.
“My not playing in those matches was a strategic move which eventually paid off. We had to lower the handicap of our team,” he said.
Speaking further, he said that the move turned out to be a double blessing, as it afforded the newest member of the team, opportunity to play in the Georgian Cup, which has increased his skills and experience.
Babangida said that though they had some advantages over their opponents Rubicon, they were happy they emerged champions.
“We give thanks to Almighty Allah for keeping us as a team. We have been playing together for 21 years and our standard of play keeps improving all these years,” he added.
Commenting on the El-Amin Foundation which he floated, he said though the foundation engages in several ventures, it nurtures young talents discovered from the grassroots into stars in several sporting events including football, basketball and polo.
“Every year we organize clinic for various sports aimed at grooming talents from the grassroots,” he said.
