Though Dawule Baba has taken his final bow, his legacy continues to gallop across the fields of Nigerian and international polo.
In a fitting tribute to one of the sport’s most iconic figures, Senator Hadi Sirika unveiled the Dawule Baba Memorial Trophy at a moving event held to honour the late legend. “Dawule Baba may have gone, but he will continue to live on,” Sirika declared, capturing the spirit of celebrations nationwide.
Known as “The Professor” and previously “The Teacher,” Dawule was far more than a formidable polo player; he was a true ambassador of the game. Born in Maiduguri, Borno State, on February 24, 1959, Dawule’s journey began humbly—educated locally before earning diplomas in forestry from Ibadan.
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He entered the polo scene in 1982, playing with Ibadan-based teams before his professional journey took off alongside tycoon and patron Usman Dantata. Together, they travelled the globe, making history as the first Nigerian team to win titles in England, France, the USA, and Argentina.
Dawule later joined Muktar Aruwa’s Allied Ranch, extending his international success. Despite his global acclaim, Dawule never forgot his roots, mentoring underprivileged talents like Adamu Yaro and Bello Buba, elevating them to national stardom.
General Kapeh Kazir recounted Dawule’s selfless mentorship: “He would always make himself available to guide teams and young players even without prompting.”
Former rival Dapo Ojoroa once remarked, “This Dawule is something else. I believe he’s from another space and time… his grace on the ball takes you out of the game.”
Dawule achieved a historic +5 handicap rating in 1988, which he maintained for a decade. His career saw him captain and coach Nigeria at numerous Polo World Cups, including a memorable final in Malaysia.
After retirement, he devoted himself to the polo business, supplying horses and gear, and sponsoring his Kaduna-based Deebe Farms Polo Team. Until his death last month, he was revered as Nigeria’s Maradona of polo, having won all major high-goal titles in a career spanning 40 years and 20 countries.
At the recent Dawule Baba Memorial Polo Tournament in Kaduna, Kaduna Polo Club President Mohammad Babangida led tributes: “His passion for polo, his sportsmanship, and his enduring legacy will be remembered with admiration and respect.”
Though his saddle now rests, the sound of Dawule Baba’s hooves still echoes across Nigeria’s greatest polo grounds—and through the hearts of those he inspired.
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