FirstBank Sponsors 2026 Georgian Cup, Reaffirms Commitment to Polo

Lagos, 15 October 2026 – 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 from 16 to 24 October 2026.

Recognised as one of the most prestigious trophies in African polo, the Georgian Cup
will once again bring together leading polo teams, accomplished players and
enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond for nine days of high-level competition. The
tournament remains a key fixture on the nation's sporting calendar, renowned for
combining elite polo action with networking and social engagement.

FirstBank’s association with the Georgian Cup dates 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.

This year’s tournament is expected to attract top teams and players competing for one
of the sport’s most coveted honours, while offering participants and spectators an
opportunity to experience the rich tradition, competitiveness and camaraderie that have
defined the Georgian Cup for generations.

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.

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.