The Nigerian polo community is mourning the loss of one of its finest icons, Dawule Baba, a player whose name was synonymous with elegance, skill, and integrity in the sport of kings.
More than just a formidable competitor, Dawule Baba was a true ambassador of polo who helped shape the sport’s landscape in Nigeria and beyond. Known as “The Professor” and earlier as “The Teacher,” he captivated audiences with his brilliance on horseback and his unmatched command of the game.
Dawule’s journey in polo began in Maiduguri, where he was born into a family with a rich polo heritage. Yet, he carved out his own legacy with passion, perseverance, and a vision that extended beyond the pitch. Whether riding Argentine thoroughbreds or rugged local stock from Chad and Sudan, Dawule had a rare bond with horses, one that seemed almost spiritual.
His illustrious career saw him play in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Morocco, Kenya, Egypt, Ghana, Brazil, Malaysia, and even England, where he shared a field with Prince Charles. At home, he was instrumental in the victories of several teams, including the Usman Dantata Polo Team (Anadariya), Ranchers Stallions, MIA Hotels, and Kaduna Kakuri. He clinched the prestigious Georgian Cup at least 13 times, one of the highest tallies in Nigerian polo history, earning his place among greats like Bello Buba and Muhammad Babangida.
Despite his global acclaim, Dawule remained grounded. He championed local talent and actively mentored players from modest backgrounds, including Tijani Hassan and Bello Buba, proving that excellence in polo is born of dedication, not privilege.
In one memorable moment during a tense match in Ibadan, Dawule reversed a controversial foul awarded in his team’s favour, insisting the ball belonged to the opposing side. That act of sportsmanship captured the essence of the man honest, principled, and noble.
Off the field, Dawule was just as passionate. He ran Dee Bee Farms, a premier polo horse facility housing 22 horses and a committed staff. The farm not only bred elite horses but also served as a nurturing ground for aspiring players. He educated many about the economics of polo, debunking the myth that it was a game only for the ultra-wealthy, and actively worked to make the sport more accessible.
Even after surviving a traumatic armed robbery on the Abuja-Kaduna highway, Dawule returned to the sport with renewed vigour, investing more in horses, training, and mentorship.
In his final months, he bore personal loss the passing of his mother with quiet dignity. True to his character, he remained a calming presence, never engaging in disputes or drama, always leading by example.
Today, his legacy lives on through his sons, Baba and Abba, who are emerging stars in Nigerian polo. The saddle may now be empty, but the echo of Dawule Baba’s hooves still reverberates through the fields of Kaduna, Lagos, and beyond.
He was a warrior on horseback, a mentor off it, and a gentleman in every sense of the word. Nigerian polo has lost one of its brightest stars, but his legacy is galloping into the future.
Rest in peace, Professor Dawule Baba.
