Nigeria: Polo World Cup – Country Plays Malaysia, New Zealand in Round Robin Stage

Ismaila Lere

20 June 2011

As the ongoing Zone D Polo World Cup qualifiers enters its second week, one of Africa’s flag bearers, Nigeria has been drawn to play top rated New Zealand and host Malaysia in the round robin stage of the hotly contested championship.

The West African nation who took on South Africa and Pakistan in their two stream games are bracing for two massive games against the duo today, at the prestigious Royal Pahang Polo Club Ground that hosted all the group matches which pitted seven countries drawn into three streams.

Nigeria’s goal king, Bello Buba who has so far scored five goals in two games, netting two against South Africa and three against Pakistan, says he is looking forward to the round robin games with full commitment, adding that presenting your fatherland at an international event like the World Cup demands nothing but total concentration.

“So far, we have been able to show the whole world that Nigeria is one of the best polo playing nation not only in Africa, but at the world stage, and even as outsiders, we are not going to underrate the resolves of our opponents in this round robin stage.

Nigerian Coach, Dawule Baba who lined out the same team that played South Africa in the opening game, in the game against Pakistan last Wednesday, is keeping his keeping his round robin strategy very close to heart.

“The Nigerian side that would play New Zealand and host Malaysia today would be different. We are going to approach this stage with a completely different strategy and only those who are best suited for that strategy would be fielded,” he explained.

“Host Malaysia would be tough because they would be playing in front of their home fans and they are used to the drizzling heat and humid weather condition that has taken it toil on many visiting teams, but we are going to give them a good run for their money,” he added.

So far, South Africa has already picked one of the Zone D semi final tickets, alongside Australia, Pakistan and India. The Selby Williamson-tutored side are bracing for the game of their lives as they take on the sleek Indian squad that flew past host Malaysia in a shocking 12-5 defeat on Friday.

Pakistan who edged South Africa in their last group game, are drawn to face mighty Australia in the second semi final game that has already been tagged the clash of the titans.

The Zone D qualifier that has been rated the most contested zonal competition so far be the President of the Federation of International Polo (FIP), Eduardo Huergo would move to the Malaysian capital city of Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday where the final and the third place final would be decided at the Royal Selangor Polo Club grounds.

With Agency Reports

AllAfrica – All the Time