By Ayomide Otitoju
FirstBank has reaffirmed its commitment to sports development through its sponsorship of the 2026 Georgian Cup Polo Tournament, scheduled to hold at the Kaduna Polo Club from October 16 to 24.
The nine-day tournament is expected to attract leading polo teams, players and enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond, with competitors vying for one of the sport’s most prestigious trophies in Africa.
FirstBank’s association with the Georgian Cup dates back to 1919, when the bank donated the trophy. The partnership has since become one of the longest-running sports sponsorships in Nigeria, with the competition maintaining its place on the country’s sporting calendar.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Shehu Aliyu, Executive Director, Public Sector Directorate, FirstBank Group, said the bank was proud to sustain its support for the competition.
“The Georgian Cup occupies a unique place in the history of Nigerian sport, and we are proud to continue our longstanding support for a tournament that has remained a benchmark for excellence in polo for over a century,” Aliyu said.
He added that the bank’s association with the tournament was its longest-standing partnership in legacy sports in Nigeria, expressing optimism about another edition showcasing skill and sportsmanship.
The sponsorship is part of FirstBank’s First@Sport initiative, through which the bank supports sporting activities and stakeholder engagement across different disciplines.
The 2026 edition is expected to continue the tournament’s tradition of competitive polo and bring together players, fans and supporters at the Kaduna Polo Club.
