Nigeria Hockey Targets Global Revival As Super League 2026 Begins With Renewed Hope, International Backing

The 2026 Nigeria Hockey Super League got off to an encouraging start on Friday at the hockey pitch of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, with stakeholders expressing confidence that the competition marks another major step in the country’s quest to restore its place among the world’s leading hockey nations.

Officials of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), international experts and sports administrators hailed the quality of play, growing youth participation and renewed commitment to the sport during the colourful opening ceremony of the national league.

Chairperson of Marketing for the Nigeria Hockey Federation and Special Adviser on Investment to the Oni of Ife, Mercy Alexandra, praised the enthusiasm displayed by players, saying the opening day’s performances reflected the steady progress being made in Nigerian hockey.

“I am happy with what I have seen so far, and I believe the country is equally happy,” Alexandra said. “The players are showing great enthusiasm and joy, and if they continue in the same spirit, we will have a wonderful tournament by the time it concludes next Saturday.”

Alexandra also called on corporate organisations, individuals and sports lovers to reward outstanding performances in hockey, insisting that the sport deserves the same level of recognition enjoyed by football.

She revealed that she had personally contributed gifts to encourage the players and urged more Nigerians to rally behind the sport.

“When people are doing well, we should appreciate them. We do it in football, so why not in hockey? Our hockey has been improving, and we should encourage the athletes by recognising their efforts. I also appeal to everyone to work together as one family to ensure Nigerian hockey becomes recognised across the world,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of NHF President Engr. Simon Obadian Nkom, the federation’s Vice-President, Tunde Popoola, attributed the sport’s resurgence to stronger leadership, strategic planning and the commitment of administrators determined to restore hockey to its former glory.

Popoola recalled the golden era of Nigerian hockey, noting that the Abuja artificial turf, commissioned in 2003, was once regarded as one of the finest hockey facilities in the world.

“Most of us on the board played on this turf when it was newly built. At that time, it was regarded as the second-best hockey pitch in the world,” he said.

“Hockey was once among Nigeria’s leading sports before it declined. Today, it is making a comeback because of dedicated and committed people who are determined to return it to where it belongs.”

He also acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) in driving the sport’s development.

According to Popoola, the standard of hockey on display during the opening matches already demonstrated remarkable improvement compared to previous seasons.

“I have seen a lot today. The style of play has improved, coaching has had a positive impact, and the players have shown greater commitment. The overall standard is much better than what we witnessed three or four years ago.”

He, however, stressed the urgent need for more artificial hockey pitches across the country, noting that limited facilities remain one of the biggest obstacles to the sport’s continued growth.

Adding an international dimension to the tournament was former Germany women’s national hockey coach Michael Behrmann, who is in Nigeria as part of a German government sports development initiative.

Behrmann said his primary mission is to support the development of Nigerian hockey by sharing his experience with local coaches while helping identify areas for long-term improvement.

“I am here to support Nigerian hockey with my knowledge and to help develop coaches,” he said.

“I have already seen great matches and a lot of enthusiasm from the players. I was particularly impressed with some of the men’s team players today, and I am looking forward to watching the women’s matches as well.”

The German expert explained that his visit forms part of a programme sponsored by the German Foreign Affairs Ministry to deploy sports specialists across Africa, with Nigeria serving as the first destination before similar assignments in Egypt and Ghana later this year.

NHF board member and former international Farouk Yohanna described the emergence of more young players as one of the biggest positives of the competition.

He said the federation’s leadership has deliberately prioritised youth development by ensuring regular competitions and increased playing opportunities for emerging talents.

“It is exciting to see so many young players from different teams,” Yohanna said. “One of the key objectives of the federation has been to ensure young talents continue coming through the ranks by exposing them to competitive matches.”

He added that Behrmann’s presence would significantly benefit Nigerian hockey beyond the tournament through coach education, player assessment and technical support.

“The interaction he has had with coaches, players and even umpires has already been valuable. His experience will help us improve in many areas over the next few years,” Yohanna said.

Drawing from his own experience playing professionally in Italy, the former international emphasised that exposing young players to international competition remains vital for the country’s future success.

“If we can expose players from the age of 15 to international hockey, then the future of Nigerian hockey will be very bright,” he said.

The Nigeria Hockey Super League continues throughout the week in Abuja, with participating teams battling for domestic honours while stakeholders hope the competition will serve as another milestone in the ongoing revival of the sport in the country.