Sports
Sports Minister’s aide showers Encomium on NFF President Pinnick Amaju
On VisionFM, 92.1 this morning, Mr. Kola Daniel, the media aide to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare bore his mind on the international friendlies that have already scheduled. Speaking on the friendlies, Mr. Daniel acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian Football Federation, in preparation for the AFCON qualifiers. In this regard, he had the following to say:
“Talking about the friendlies between Cameroon and of course, the Mexicans, both friendlies to me is a welcome development. It is more or less a way to prepare the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of the world cup qualifier. Back to what the NFF president said in his interview, about the preparations for the Super Eagles of Nigeria and they have started in the right step for me. I want to thank the NFF, most especially, the NFF president, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, for going extra mile to get this friendlies for the Super Eagles of Nigeria. I want to salute his doggedness, tenacity, his sparking sense of humour, for putting this into gear. You and I know that over the years, President Amaju Pinnick has been getting quality friendlies for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, that is the more reason why we have qualified back to back for AFCON, knowing full well, they have got quality friendlies.”
“His personality has really assisted the Super Eagles of Nigeria’s sourcing for funds, and any cardi-logistics aspect of it. It is not easy to organise a friendly match to play in Los Angeles in the United states and don’t forget about Austria.”
” It requires a huge amount of money flying the players, appearances and other logistics. So you must give Kudos to the NFF president and as well, FIFE council members. By and large for me, they are on the right track.”
Also, talking about the relationship with the minister of youth and Sports, it has been fantastic. It has been a robust relationship both institutionally, I have enjoyed what I call a cordial relationship working together harmoniously to ensure sports, most especially football, moves to the next level.
I want to use this medium again, to say that the super Eagles of Nigeria have got someone in the helm of affairs, talking about the president of NFF, whose passion lies in ensuring that the super Eagles of Nigeria and all other national teams, including the Super Falcons who have friendlies and don’t forget the youth national team, the Flying Eagles as well as the Golden Eaglets who have quality friendlies and be in the right frame of mind when they have quality matches”.
Sports
Thrills as 2026 National Hockey Super League Opens in Abuja — NHF President Promises Greater Innovation
Cyril Ogar
The atmosphere was electric on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as the 2026 National Hockey Super League officially kicked off in grand style.
The championship, which runs from November 1st to 9th, features 13 male and 8 female teams from across the country competing for supremacy in Nigeria’s top-tier hockey competition.
In the opening fixtures, Police Machine dominated IGP Flickers 9–1, Kada Stars overwhelmed Adamawa 13–0, Plateau edged Ekiti 1–0, while Niger Flickers crushed Team Katsina 10–0.
Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engr. Simon Nkom, expressed satisfaction with the smooth start, describing the league as a key milestone in the Federation’s renewed drive to strengthen grassroots hockey and promote national development of the sport.
“This is indeed a proud moment for us. We are here to witness a national event that we hold in very high esteem,” he said. “It’s a great way to end the year, return to our grassroots, and continue developing the game.”
Nkom, who also serves as an Executive Member of the African Hockey Federation Board, assured that the Federation will sustain its current momentum and introduce more innovations in 2027 to further elevate Nigerian hockey both locally and internationally.
“Our focus remains on building a strong foundation for our players and promoting discipline, teamwork, and fair play,” he added.
“Beyond monetary rewards, the experience gained here is invaluable. We will continue to recognize excellence through awards for Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Youngest Player, and Most Disciplined Team.”
The Tournament Director, Mr. Falore Olajuyigbe, confirmed that the league will run for one week, ending on November 8th, with teams departing the following day. He praised the level of play and organization so far.
“The matches have been exciting and competitive. Attendance has been encouraging, and we’re confident that the quality of play will keep improving,” Olajuyigbe said.
He added that the tournament is benefitting from lessons learned during Nigeria’s participation in the African Club Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, noting that two Nigerian umpires who officiated at that continental event are also part of the officiating crew in Abuja.
As the 2026 National Hockey Super League unfolds, excitement continues to build among fans and players alike, with Abuja firmly at the center of Nigeria’s hockey action.
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