The just-concluded Coronation Silver Cup 2025 at the Lagos International Polo Tournament showcased the best of African and international Polo, blending tradition, excellence, and high-level competition.
In an exclusive interview with BusinessDay’s Anthony Nlebem, Wole Onasanya, MD/CEO of Coronation Group, discussed the brand’s ongoing sponsorship of the Silver Cup, and its commitment to sustainable wealth creation, innovation, and community empowerment.
Why is Coronation partnering with the Lagos Polo Tournament to sponsor the Coronation Silver Cup again this year?
We have been supporting this Polo event for several years, and our commitment remains unwavering. This sponsorship is more than just an association with polo; it represents our dedication to celebrating excellence, sportsmanship, and skill. We take pride in identifying with a community that values precision, determination, and success. Additionally, this event contributes to the broader business ecosystem, fostering economic activity and skill development within the environment where we operate.
Our continued sponsorship of the Coronation Silver Cup reflects our role as Africa’s leading financial ecosystem. It is not just a celebration of sporting excellence but a strategic initiative aligned with our mission to provide transformational solutions to Africa’s challenges. Through this partnership, we reaffirm our promise to drive innovation, empower communities, and create a prosperous future for our clients and the continent at large.
How does this sponsorship align with the bank’s overall corporate strategy and brand positioning?
Our corporate positioning strategy revolves around democratizing wealth. To achieve this, we must connect with the people we aim to serve. Our services span across lending, investing, technology, and insurance, targeting a diverse clientele. The audience that attends and identifies with this event aligns with our key customer segments in wealth management, lending, and insurance.
Beyond financial services, our involvement in sports sponsorship allows us to engage meaningfully with communities, demonstrating our commitment to their aspirations. By supporting polo and other initiatives, we foster connections that extend beyond business transactions, reinforcing trust in our brand.
Can you elaborate on the long-term vision for Coronation’s involvement in sports sponsorship, particularly in polo?
Our commitment to sports sponsorship is long-term and strategic. For several years, we have sought opportunities to connect with our target market and positively influence the environment in which we operate. Sports, particularly polo, embody discipline, excellence, and perseverance—values we uphold at Coronation.
We will continue to support initiatives that align with our vision while exploring new opportunities to contribute to the growth of sports and talent development in Nigeria and beyond.
What impact do you hope this sponsorship will have on the sport and the polo community in Nigeria?
Our goal is to encourage broader participation in sports, whether in polo or other disciplines. We want more people to appreciate and engage in sporting activities as a means of social development and personal growth. Polo is a sport of strategy, agility, and skill, and we are proud to support its continued development in Nigeria.
How long has Coronation been sponsoring the Silver Cup Polo Tournament?
We have been sponsoring the Silver Cup for well over five years, possibly longer, and we remain committed to its success.
How does the Silver Cup sponsorship fit into the brand’s CSR initiatives?
Our sponsorship reflects our broader CSR strategy of promoting excellence, skill development, and community impact. Polo requires immense precision, athleticism, and dedication—qualities we admire and seek to encourage. This aligns with our efforts to empower individuals and communities by fostering opportunities for skill enhancement, discipline, and excellence.
Should we expect more partnerships like this from Coronation?
Absolutely. We are dedicated to driving impactful partnerships both locally and internationally. Later this year, we will unveil enhanced collaborations with global partners to elevate our brand and amplify our commitment to sustainable wealth creation.
Our approach to partnerships extends beyond polo. Our alliance with Access Bank has enabled us to seamlessly integrate capital market services into their digital platforms, showcasing how collaboration fuels financial transformation. Furthermore, in 2025, we are expanding our footprint across Africa, forging new alliances that will broaden our impact, drive financial inclusion, and empower communities in emerging markets.
Through these expanded partnerships, we will continue to transform aspirations into enduring legacies, paving the way for a more prosperous Africa.
Which team impressed you the most during the tournament?
Every team displayed commendable skill and sportsmanship, making it difficult to single one out. However, Lagos MSD BabyBear stood out—not just for their impressive performance but for their resilience and ability to triumph against the odds.
Do you play polo, or are you a fan of the sport?
I am a fan of polo, but I don’t play the sport myself.
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