Sports

NHF President Restates Commitment to Growing Hockey in Nigeria at 2026 NHSL

Published

3 months ago

June 28, 2026

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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Sports

NSC DG, Olopade Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Assures of More Progressive Sports Development Under President Tinubu

Published

14 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated Nigerians as the nation celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a reflection of Nigeria’s resilience, unity and remarkable capacity to excel on the global stage, particularly through sports.

Hon. Olopade said Nigeria at 66 is an occasion every Nigerian should be proud of, noting that despite the challenges encountered over the years, the country has continued to make significant progress and produce achievements capable of inspiring generations.

The DG said the sports sector has particular reasons to celebrate, pointing to a series of performances and milestones by Nigerian athletes and teams across the global sporting landscape.

“Today, we celebrate the resilience of our people, the strength of our unity and our belief in the promise of our great country, especially through sports.

“As we raise our flag with pride, may we remain committed to building a nation where every Nigerian has the opportunity to dream, thrive and succeed.”

Hon. Olopade said the progress being witnessed in Nigerian sports aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Development (RHINSE), which he said is focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable pathway for athletes, while positioning sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment and global recognition.

He pointed to Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as one of the latest examples of the country’s sporting potential. Team Nigeria returned from Glasgow with 24 medals, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, finishing seventh overall and as the highest-ranked African nation at the Games. The campaign also produced three world records and a number of historic milestones across para powerlifting, athletics, weightlifting, para athletics and judo.

Among the standout performances was that of Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who won gold in para powerlifting and twice broke the world record during the competition, ultimately lifting 175kg. Goodness Nwachukwu also successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women’s para discus and set a new world record, while Nigeria recorded historic Commonwealth gold medals through Samuel Ogazi in the men’s 400m, Ezekiel Nathaniel in the men’s 400m hurdles and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men’s shot put.

“Today, Nigeria is a global force in para-sports, and athletes such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Goodness Nwachukwu continue to demonstrate the extraordinary talent and determination that exist within our country,” Hon. Olopade said.

He also celebrated the continued dominance of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, which in 2025 became the first nation to win five consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final in Abidjan in the last edition. The achievement extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games and secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pathway.

On the global athletics scene, Hon. Olopade highlighted the continued excellence of Tobi Amusan and the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian sprinters. Amusan won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest in September 2026, clocking 12.34 seconds in the final, while Kayinsola Ajayi added another significant milestone by winning Commonwealth bronze in the men’s 100m and helping Nigeria to bronze in the men’s 4x100m relay in Glasgow.

Nigeria’s football heritage, Hon. Olopade noted, remains another major source of national pride. The country holds the record for the most FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, with five championships won by the Golden Eaglets in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.

He also pointed to the country’s growing influence in emerging sports, including flag football. Nigeria made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Championship in Cairo in 2025, earning qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.

“These achievements across athletics, para-sports, basketball, football, weightlifting, flag football and other sports remind us that Nigeria possesses immense sporting talent,” the DG said.

“From our champions who continue to break world records to our young athletes who are announcing themselves on the international stage, the Nigerian flag continues to fly with pride around the world. This is why the development of sports must remain a national priority. Our responsibility is not only to celebrate champions after they emerge, but to build the systems, facilities, competitions and opportunities that allow more young Nigerians to become champions.”

“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we celebrate Nigeria’s past, but we must also look confidently toward the future. Our athletes have shown us what is possible when talent meets opportunity, preparation and support. The task before us is to ensure that more Nigerians have that opportunity,” the DG added.

“On behalf of the National Sports Commission, I wish all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary. May our great nation continue to grow in strength, unity, prosperity and sporting excellence,” Hon. Olopade concluded.

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