Some of the world's greatest polo players joined business leaders, philanthropists and international dignitaries at Guards Polo Club for Access Bank UK Polo Day 2026. Polo with Purpose was the theme as the annual event celebrated the long-standing partnership between Access Bank, Fifth Chukker and UNICEF, a collaboration that has spent more than a decade transforming educational opportunities for thousands of children in Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria.

While spectators were treated to world-class polo featuring some of the sport's biggest names - including legendary player Adolfo Cambiaso, nine-goal stars Tomás Panelo and Bartolomé Castagnola, 12-time Argentine Open winner Juan Martín Nero, and rising young talent Mia Cambiaso.

The day's showcase fixture saw Access Bank edge out Fifth Chukker in a thrilling 7–6 victory, with 14-year-old Marwan Bago delivering an outstanding performance on his debut to claim the Access Bank Most Valuable Player award, presented by HRH Dr Abdulmumuni Kabir Usman, the Emir of Katsina. Alongside Marwan, Access Bank's team featured Cambiaso and Panelo, while Fifth Chukker fielded an equally exceptional line-up including Castagnola, Nero, Tariq Albwardy and rising British player Edward J. Pakenham.

Earlier in the day, spectators watched the next generation of polo talent as Mia Cambiaso, Cambiaso's eldest daughter , returned to Guards Polo Club for her second appearance at the event, representing Kangimi in the Emir's Cup. Although Malcomines claimed victory, Mia's team-mate Habib Buhari was named Most Valuable Player after an impressive debut performance. The Best Playing Pony award was presented to Dubai Verdadera, owned and ridden by Tariq Albwardy of Fifth Chukker.

More Than a Polo Match

What began as a charity polo fixture has evolved into one of Africa's most respected sport-for-purpose initiatives, demonstrating how business, philanthropy and sport can work together to deliver measurable, long-term impact. Through the partnership, Access Bank, Fifth Chukker and UNICEF have:

• Delivered more than 120 classroom blocks across underserved communities in Kaduna State.
• Completed 30 classrooms between 2023 and 2024, with a further 60 classrooms currently under construction in Maraban Jos.
• Improved access to safe, inclusive education for thousands of children.
• Supported clean water projects, vocational programmes and wider child welfare initiatives that strengthen entire communities.

Jamie Simmonds, Managing Director of The Access Bank UK Limited, said: "Polo with Purpose is about creating opportunities that extend far beyond one day. Every classroom built represents hope, opportunity and investment in future generations. We are incredibly proud that this partnership continues to demonstrate how business can be a force for lasting social impact."

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, added: "This partnership reflects our belief that long-term success should always be accompanied by long-term impact. Together with Fifth Chukker and UNICEF, we have shown what can be achieved when organisations commit to creating sustainable change for communities."

Adamu Atta, Founder and Chairman of Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Club, said: "Polo has given us a platform to unite people around a common purpose. Every year we see world-class players, business leaders and supporters come together knowing that the real legacy of this event is measured not in goals scored, but in opportunities created for children."

Images copyright Images of Polo