Sports

2026 HSL: Berman Expresses Confidence in Nigeria’s Hockey Future, Offers Support

Published

4 months ago

June 28, 2026

Joel Ajayi

German hockey expert Michael Berman has expressed strong confidence in the future of hockey in Nigeria, pledging technical support to aid the sport’s growth through coach development and capacity building.

Speaking during the ongoing 2026 Hockey Super League (HSL), Berman said he was committed to contributing his vast experience to help strengthen hockey in Nigeria, particularly in the area of technical education for coaches.

The former head coach of Germany women’s national field hockey team noted that he was impressed by the quality of play and the passion displayed by Nigerian players, especially in the men’s category.

“My name is Michael Berman. I’m from Germany and I am the former head coach of the women’s team of Germany,” he said.

“I’m here to support Nigerian hockey with my knowledge, and I will try to help develop some coaches. I have seen great matches today and a lot of enthusiasm. I’m looking forward to the next day.”

Berman explained that his visit to Nigeria is part of an international sports development initiative sponsored by the Federal Foreign Office>, aimed at deploying sports experts to African nations to support grassroots and elite sports development.

According to him, Nigeria is the first country on the programme, with planned visits to Egypt and Ghana in the coming weeks.

“This is an initiative from the German Foreign Affairs, and they offered African countries the opportunity to host experts in sports. The first step is Nigeria. I will also visit Egypt and Ghana in the coming weeks,” he stated.

Berman further revealed that he was particularly impressed by some players in Nigeria’s men’s team and is eager to observe the women’s category, given his extensive background in women’s hockey.

“I have only seen today’s matches, and I was quite impressed by some players in the men’s team,” he said.

“Hopefully, I can watch the women’s matches tomorrow as well. As mentioned, I’m a former women’s coach, so I’m really looking forward to seeing their level.”

His visit is expected to boost coaching standards and technical development in Nigerian hockey as stakeholders intensify efforts to elevate the sport both locally and internationally.

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Sports

YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display

Published

1 day ago

October 21, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.

Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.

The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.

Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.

The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.

The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.

The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.

Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.

Final Score

Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)

The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)

Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.

Key Performers

Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls

Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls

Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
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