Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has announced its continued sponsorship of the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament, one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious sporting competitions.

The 2026 tournament will take place at the Lagos Polo Club in Ikoyi from 27 January to 15 February, drawing top local and international polo teams, as well as spectators from across Africa and beyond.

Organisers say the event will feature elite competition for major trophies, including the Majekodunmi Cup, Independence Cup, Open Cup, Silver Cup and Low Cup.

Beyond the matches, guests are expected to experience a mix of equestrian sport, lifestyle showcases and curated hospitality experiences, with the tournament also being livestreamed to global audiences.

GTCO: ‘Sport amplifies opportunity’

Speaking on the sponsorship, Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO, said the tournament aligns closely with the company’s values.

“This tournament, one of the oldest in Africa, celebrates not only the noble sport of polo but the values we hold dear as a brand: teamwork, discipline, fair play, and a commitment to excellence,” he said.

“Beyond the field, it showcases Nigeria and Africa to a global audience, reinforcing the continent’s place on the world stage.”

Mr Agbaje added that GTCO’s long-standing involvement reflects its belief in sport as a driver of connection and opportunity.

“Our longstanding sponsorship of the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament reflects our conviction that sport can amplify opportunity, foster connections, and deliver world-class experiences for all.”

Heritage, sport and national image

Founded decades ago, the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament is widely regarded as a symbol of sporting heritage in Nigeria and Africa.

What it means for the economy and society

Major sporting events like the Lagos International Polo Tournament generate economic activity across hospitality, logistics, media and tourism.

They also provide a platform for Nigeria to project a positive national image, particularly through livestreaming and international participation.

For fans, the tournament offers both in-person and digital access to elite polo, widening its appeal beyond the confines of the polo club.

What’s next

Organisers say preparations are underway to deliver a seamless experience for players, guests and online viewers, with expectations of increased international engagement during the 2026 edition.

Senegal have won their second Africa Cup of Nations title after edging hosts Morocco 1–0 following extra time in a controversial final in Rabat.

The decisive moment came early in extra time when Pape Gueye scored on the counter to settle a match marked by disputed refereeing decisions and an unprecedented on-pitch protest.

How the final unfolded

The match began cautiously, with both sides probing for openings in front of a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Senegal’s Sadio Mané and Morocco’s Brahim Diaz tested the goalkeepers early, while set pieces became a key attacking route for both teams.

Ismaïla Sarr and Nicolas Jackson threatened for Senegal, but Morocco keeper Yassine Bounou and Senegal’s Édouard Mendy remained alert.

Morocco pushed forward through Achraf Hakimi and Ayoub El Kaabi, but Senegal’s defence, led by El Hadji Malick Diouf, held firm.

Controversy and chaos

Drama peaked late in the second half when Senegal thought they had scored a winner.

Idrissa Gueye struck the post and Ismaïla Sarr tapped in the rebound, but the goal was disallowed for a foul in the build-up, with the whistle blown before a VAR review could take place.

Minutes later, Morocco were awarded a penalty after VAR ruled that El Hadji Diouf fouled Brahim Diaz.

In protest, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to walk off the pitch, leaving only Mané behind as the match was halted for around 16 minutes.

When play resumed, Diaz chipped the penalty weakly into the arms of Mendy, sending the final into extra time.

The winning goal

Four minutes into extra time, Pape Gueye broke the deadlock.

He raced onto a pass from Idrissa Gueye and fired a left-footed shot into the top corner, silencing the home crowd.

Morocco threw on fresh attackers in search of an equaliser, but Senegal defended resolutely as Mendy made crucial saves to protect the lead.

Why it matters

The victory gives Senegal a second AFCON crown, adding to their 2021 triumph and confirming their status as one of Africa’s dominant football forces.

For Morocco, the defeat extends the long wait for a continental title on home soil, despite reaching the final with strong tournament performances.

The final will be remembered not just for the result, but for the rare walk-off protest and refereeing controversies that shaped its outcome.

Expert and public reaction

Football analysts say the match highlights ongoing concerns about officiating consistency at major African tournaments.

Fans across social media praised Senegal’s resilience, while Moroccan supporters expressed frustration over missed chances and decisions that swung the game.

What’s next

Senegal now turn their focus to World Cup qualification and defending their AFCON crown in the next edition.

Morocco, despite the disappointment, are expected to remain strong contenders, building on the momentum of reaching the final.

As Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a crucial win over Algeria, drums, music and fan energy transformed a Lagos football viewing centre into a cultural spectacle.

Football, music and national pride converged on Saturday night as Goldberg hosted its Festival of Drums & Light in Dopemu, Lagos, while Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeated Algeria 2–0 to reach the semi-finals.

The match-viewing event at Pako Field drew hundreds of fans, offering a stadium-like experience that blended live football, traditional drumming and music performances.

Why it matters

Public viewing experiences have become an important way Nigerians connect with major football moments, especially as stadium access remains limited for international fixtures.

They also reflect how brands and communities use sport to create shared cultural spaces beyond the pitch.

Drums, culture and anticipation

The evening began with a live performance by veteran singer Yinka Davies, setting the tone before kick-off.

Cultural dancers and more than 100 talking drums filled the venue, their rhythms echoing across the field as fans arrived in growing numbers.

Supporters sang, danced and waved flags as anticipation built ahead of the high-stakes knockout match.

Super Eagles deliver on the pitch

Nigeria took control of the game after the break, breaking the deadlock when Victor Osimhen headed home from a Bruno Onyemaechi cross.

Minutes later, Osimhen turned provider, slipping a pass to Akor Adams, who rounded the goalkeeper to seal the 2–0 victory.

Each goal was met with loud cheers and spontaneous celebrations from fans watching at the venue.

Fans react

“This felt like being inside a stadium,” said one supporter, who attended the viewing centre with friends.

“When Osimhen scored, everyone jumped up at once. You could feel the unity.”

Music takes over after the final whistle

As the match ended, the celebration continued with performances by Zlatan Ibile, Mavo and Segun Johnson, keeping the crowd engaged long after the final whistle.

DJs and hypemen later turned the field into an after-party space, blending music with chants and dancing.

What’s next

Goldberg is set to return to Pako Field on Wednesday for another Festival of Drums & Light viewing event, as Nigeria faces Morocco in the semi-final.

Organisers say the aim is to recreate the same energy and communal experience for fans.