FirstBank has reaffirmed its commitment to sports development by sponsoring the 2026 Georgian Cup Polo Tournament, scheduled to take place at the Kaduna Polo Club from October 16 to 24.
The nine-day tournament is expected to attract leading polo teams, accomplished players and enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond, with competitors seeking one of the sport’s most prestigious trophies in the region.
FirstBank’s involvement in the Georgian Cup dates back to 1919, when the bank donated the trophy. The longstanding relationship has become one of the most enduring corporate associations with a legacy sporting event in Nigeria.
The bank said its continued sponsorship reflects its commitment to promoting sporting excellence, preserving sporting traditions and supporting activities that bring communities and stakeholders together.
More than a century of polo sponsorship
The Georgian Cup is regarded as one of the major fixtures on Nigeria’s polo calendar, combining competitive sport with networking and social engagement.
FirstBank said its association with the tournament remains central to its wider sports-support strategy.
Shehu Aliyu, Executive Director of the Public Sector Directorate at FirstBank Group, said the competition occupies a special place in the history of Nigerian sport.
He said the bank was proud to continue supporting an event that has maintained its standing in polo for more than a century.
The sponsorship is being delivered through the bank’s First@Sport initiative, which supports sporting activities and engagement across different disciplines.
Polo and the business community
Corporate sponsorship plays an important role in sustaining sporting competitions by helping organisers meet operational costs, attract participants and maintain the quality of events.
Beyond competition, major sporting tournaments can provide opportunities for businesses, institutions and community stakeholders to build relationships.
The Georgian Cup’s combination of sport and social engagement has helped maintain its place on the Nigerian sporting calendar.
However, the long-term development of polo also depends on investment in facilities, player development, training opportunities and wider public participation.
FirstBank’s continued backing provides continuity for a tournament with a history stretching back more than 100 years.
Tournament set for October 16–24
The 2026 edition will run for nine days at the Kaduna Polo Club, with participating teams competing for the Georgian Cup.
The event is expected to bring together players and spectators while celebrating the tradition and competitive character of polo in Nigeria.
For FirstBank, the sponsorship reinforces a corporate strategy that extends beyond banking services to include sports and community engagement.
The tournament’s return also highlights the role of long-running sporting events in preserving Nigeria’s sporting heritage and sustaining interest in polo among new generations.
