Nigeria Shines at Inaugural International Chovqan Championship in Baku
Nigeria Polo Federation proudly announces the Nigerian team's success at the inaugural International Chovken Championship in Baku, Azerbaijan. Find out how our players showcased their skills and brought home a well-deserved victory
The Nigeria Polo Federation (NPF) is proud to announce the remarkable performance of the Nigerian team at the recently concluded International Chovken Championship held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from June 12th to 16th, 2024. This prestigious tournament, the first since the inauguration of the International Chovken Federation (ICF) earlier this year, saw the participation of ten countries, including host Azerbaijan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Kuwait, Poland, Germany, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Malta, and Nigeria.
The tournament featured two streams, A and B. Group A included Azerbaijan, Malta, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, while Nigeria was placed in Group B alongside Kuwait, Germany, Morocco, and Poland.
The Nigerian team, under the exemplary leadership of the NPF President—recently elected as the Chairman of the African Region of the ICF—displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the group stage. The team comprised Abdulmalik Badamasi, Yusuf Bello, Shehu Kangiwa, Abdulkarim Jibril, and Muktar Adhama.
Nigeria’s stellar performance earned them a spot in the third-place play-off. In a nail-biting match that ended in a 1-1 draw, Nigeria triumphed over their opponents in the penalty shootout, securing a well-deserved third place. This victory is a testament to the dedication and prowess of our players and their commitment to excellence in Chovken.
The grand finale of the championship saw Azerbaijan and Morocco battling it out for the top honors. In a thrilling display of skill and sportsmanship, Azerbaijan emerged victorious, winning the championship in grand style.
The overall success of the Chovken Championship was not only in the competitive matches but also in the spirit of unity and cultural exchange that it fostered. The tournament provided a platform for countries to come together, share their love for the game, and celebrate its rich heritage.
During the tournament, the ICF held its general assembly, where it was announced that over 40 countries have already expressed their interest in the Chovken game. This growing global acceptance indicates a bright future for Chovken, with potential inclusion in the Olympic Games being a significant milestone on the horizon.
Looking ahead, the next World Chovken Championship is scheduled for 2026, and regional heads are encouraged to host continental championships in 2025. This strategic move aims to further promote the sport and prepare teams for future international competitions.
The Nigeria Polo Federation extends heartfelt congratulations to the Nigerian team for their outstanding performance and to all the participating countries for making the inaugural International Chovken Championship a grand success. We also express our gratitude to the ICF for their efforts in promoting and regulating Chovken on a global scale.
As we look forward to future tournaments, we remain committed to advancing Chovken in Nigeria and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates and news about upcoming events and our journey in this exhilarating sport.
