*FirstBank Group reiterates its commitment to sports development as the prestigious Georgian Cup Polo Tournament returns to the Kaduna Polo Club October 16 – 24, 2026
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, has reaffirmed its commitment to sports development as the prestigious Georgian Cup Polo Tournament returns to the Kaduna Polo Club October 16 – 24, 2026.
Recognised as one of the most prestigious trophies in African polo, the leading commercial bank, in a statement Wednesday, October 14, 2026, said the Georgian Cup, once again, would bring together leading polo teams, accomplished players, and enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond for nine days of high-level competition.
FirstBank also stated the tournament “remains a key fixture on the nation’s sporting calendar, renowned for combining elite polo action with networking and social engagement.”
The statement further noted FirstBank’s association with the Georgian Cup dated back to 1919, making it one of the longest-running sports sponsorships in the world. Donated by the bank more than a century ago, the Georgian Cup remains the oldest and most respected polo trophy in West Africa and a symbol of the enduring partnership between FirstBank and the Kaduna Polo Club.
The bank as well disclosed this year’s tournament is expected to attract top teams and players competing for one of the sport’s most coveted honours.
The tournament also will offer participants and spectators an opportunity to experience the rich tradition, competitiveness and camaraderie that have defined the Georgian Cup for generations, FirstBank stated.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Shehu Aliyu, Executive Director, Public Sector Directorate, FirstBank Group, said: “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.
“Our association with the Georgian Cup is the longest standing for any legacy sport in Nigeria.
“We look forward to another exciting edition that celebrates skill, sportsmanship and the enduring appeal of the game.”
The sponsorship forms part of FirstBank’s First@Sport initiative, through which the Bank continues to support sporting excellence and stakeholder engagement across various disciplines.
The statement further noted that as teams prepare to compete for polo’s most coveted prize, the 2026 Georgian Cup promises another memorable chapter in a tournament whose rich history continues to resonate across generations of players, fans and supporters.