Sports

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

Published

5 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.

Share on Facebook

Sports

Lagos Women Run: Excitement Builds Ahead of Saturday’s TBS Race

Published

17 hours ago

November 10, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Participants from different walks of life are eagerly looking forward to the Lagos Women Run scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.

The participants have expressed excitement about the opportunities and experiences the annual event promises to offer.

Our correspondent reports that, in addition to runners from within Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, some athletes are expected to travel from outside the country to participate in the race.

The organisers are already making preparations for the large number of registered participants, while the possibility of accepting late entries will depend on the timing and other arrangements.

The Coordinator of the Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, said participants should expect an improved experience compared with previous editions.

“We have to continue to get better, as that is the driving force for us as organisers. We will be bigger and better with every edition,” Popoola said.

The 2026 Lagos Women Run will hold on Saturday, November 14, with Tafawa Balewa Square serving as the starting point.

Participants are expected to arrive at the venue by 6:30 a.m. for the event.

Share on Facebook