By Joel Ajayi

The President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engr. Simon Nkom, has reaffirmed his commitment to accelerating the growth of hockey in Nigeria, calling for increased investment in infrastructure to sustain the sport’s ongoing revival.

Nkom, represented by NHF Vice-President Tunde Popoola, made the pledge during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Nigeria Hockey Super League (NHSL) on Friday in Abuja.

He noted that Nigerian hockey is steadily regaining its status as one of the country’s top sports, driven by strategic planning, improved coaching, grassroots development, and continued support from the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the National Sports Commission (NSC).

Popoola, a former international player, recalled playing on the Abuja hockey pitch when it was commissioned in 2003, describing it as one of the finest hockey facilities in the world at the time.

“Nigerian hockey was among the best then, but the sport experienced a decline. Today, hockey is making a comeback because of the commitment of people determined to restore it to its rightful position,” he said.

He emphasized that the standard of hockey in Nigeria has improved significantly in recent years.

“The difference between the hockey played three or four years ago and what we are seeing today is clear. The standard has improved, coaching has had a positive impact, and the players are showing greater commitment,” Popoola added.

Despite the progress, he identified inadequate infrastructure as the biggest challenge to hockey’s development in Nigeria, revealing that the country currently has only three standard synthetic hockey pitches.

“Hockey at the highest level is played on artificial turf. With only three standard pitches in the country, teams have to converge at one venue to play league matches,” he said.

He urged governments at all levels, particularly states hosting the National Sports Festival, to invest in standard hockey pitches as legacy projects that would boost grassroots participation and long-term development.

“We appeal to governments at all levels to invest in more hockey facilities because that is the quickest way to grow the sport,” he stated.

On the title race, Popoola described defending champions Kada Stars as strong contenders following their dominant opening performance but maintained that the championship remains competitive.

Defending men’s champions Kada Stars began their title defence in emphatic fashion, defeating South West Hockey Team of Lagos 4-0 in the opening match.

The Kaduna-based side controlled possession from the start, dictating the pace with swift passing and aggressive attacking play.

Speaking after the match, Kada Stars captain Kelvin Linus credited the victory to the team’s thorough preparations ahead of the tournament.

In other men’s fixtures, Stallions of Lagos defeated Adamawa State Hockey Team 2-0, Niger Flickers and Plateau Tigers played out a 2-2 draw, while Police Machine thrashed IGP Flickers 9-1.

In the women’s category, Kada Queens crushed South West 6-0, Plateau Queens defeated IGP Babes 5-0, while Delta Queens recorded a commanding 5-0 win over Yobe Desert Queens.

The 2026 NHSL features nine men’s teams and seven women’s teams, with the competition running until July 5 at the National Hockey Pitch, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

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