Team Nigeria’s men’s and women’s hockey teams have returned home triumphant after representing the country at the African Hockey Cup of Nations (ACN) held in Ismailia, Egypt.
Comprising entirely local-based players who trained intensively for over six weeks in Abuja, both Nigerian teams delivered spirited performances against some of Africa’s premier hockey nations, including South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, and hosts Egypt.
The men’s team achieved a notable bronze medal, marking their best finish in recent years after defeating Kenya 3–1 in the third-place playoff. James Samaila of Nigeria was crowned the tournament’s top scorer, netting an impressive eight goals.
While the women’s team has also previously secured bronze, this time they narrowly missed out on a podium finish, demonstrating their determination and resilience throughout the tournament.
Engineer Simon Nkom, the President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), commended both teams upon their return from Egypt for their dedication, teamwork, and resilience, pledging ongoing support for the sport’s development.
“Our players displayed the true Nigerian spirit. We will build on this foundation to achieve even greater results,” he stated. Engineer Nkom further expressed pride in the teams’ performances, describing the bronze medal as a significant boost for the development of hockey in Nigeria.
“Our players exhibited exceptional passion and discipline throughout the competition. This achievement marks a significant step forward for Nigerian hockey,” he added.
The Federation also extended its gratitude to the Sports Commission, sponsors, and fans for their unwavering support, reaffirming its commitment to grassroots development and providing international exposure for Nigerian players ahead of future tournaments.
