Just two months ago, Mohammed, the son of former Military Head of State and APC chieftain Muhammadu Buhari, began his polo career in Ibadan without much ado. Today, Mohammed and his Briclinks polo team, is the hottest slogan in every polo buff in the Oyo State capital city.
With little doggedness, determination and a bid of drama than he wanted, Buhari and his team made history, winning one of the major prizes at stake at the just concluded Ibadan annual polo tournament on their debut.
Though the India-trained architect has been an ardent fan of the noble game of polo for decades, he never bothered to play the game, talk less of competing at an international tournament featuring established names and professionals from abroad.
The sensational display of Ibadan Briclinks that swept aside six better rated oppositions from Kano, Lagos and a battery of home rivals, to clinch the coveted Ade Alakija Cup, has since changed all that.
Parading Abba Yahaya, Abacha Mustapha, Seidu Umar and Edozie Onwuli, Buhari’s squad pulled a surprised 4-21/2 goals victory over Kano H. Hago, a victory that gave host Ibadan its only victory in the tournament that was dominated by Kano that carted home two major titles.
The final which was witnessed by a discerning crowd that included the Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola and host Governor Abiola Ajimobi who hail the winners for their success.
“This is my first ever victory in polo and want to dedicate it to the Almighty Allah for his mercies and late mummy, Alhjia Aisha Buhari and the players whose fighting spirit and concentration made all the difference,” Mohammed declared.
Buhari who described the tense Ade Alakija Cup finals as his most anxious moment since he embrace the elitist game of polo. “I was praying throughout the game and when we scored the first, I knew God will give us victory and he did.”
"Doubters may think this is a flute, but I’m confidence we have many victories awiting us in the future. I’ve always felt like I could win out here, and I think that’s what you have to believe to be out here – that you belong and that you can win.”
“We in the team are so happy because the coming the arrival of Briclinks to partner the state government in the provision of houses, has started on a positive note and we are looking forward to bring more honours to the state in all our endeavours,” he added.
Buhari’s polo career looks brighter than the constellations he captures on his telescope and after his sizzling start to the 2014 season, the Katsina State born Architect is looking forward to the Lagos 2014polo tournament Northern Trust Open, which gallops off later in the week.
"I love the playing in Lagos and with the same team that won Ade Alakija Cup; we are confidence we will succeed in Lagos by winning the Dansa Cup.
We all enjoyed the Ibadan victory, and now it’s time to refocus and reset everything, because we will stiffer challenge in Lagos and we are prepared to the whole hug and bring the Dansa Cup to Ibadan Insha Allah,”
“We may be the outsiders in the Dansa Cup ratings, but we are not bothered with all the big names eyeing the title. At the moment, we have set our minds to the task and it would take more than prayers to dissuade us from our objective of winning the glittering prizes,” Buhari vowed.
Source: Newswatch
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