Kada Stars, Queens Retain National Hockey Super League Titles 

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

It was a double delight for Kaduna State as Kada Stars and Kada Queens once again stamped their authority on Nigerian hockey, successfully defending their titles at the 2025 National Hockey Super League, which concluded on November 9, 2025, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The weeklong competition, which ran from November 1st to 9th, brought together 23 teams — male and female — from across the federation, delivering high-intensity matches, emerging talents, and thrilling displays of passion and skill.

In the men’s final, Kada Stars edged their perennial rivals Police Machine 3–2 in a tense penalty shootout after both sides were locked in a goalless draw at regulation time.

The defending champions held their nerves when it mattered most, sealing their supremacy and extending their dominance on the national stage.

Kada Stars’ captain Kelvin Linus was elated after the hard-fought win, describing the victory as “the result of hard work and team unity.”

“It was very tough, but we remained focused and played as a team. The encouragement from our coaches and technical team kept us going,” Linus said.

“We’re grateful to Kaduna State and our supporters for believing in us. Now, our focus is on doing Nigeria proud at the Africa Cup for Club Champions.”

Earlier, the Kada Queens proved their class once more with a commanding 2–0 victory over Plateau Queens to retain their women’s title.

In the battle for bronze, Delta Queens defeated Yobe Queens 4–1 on penalties to finish third.

Captain Alpha Cornelius of Kada Queens credited consistent training and support from the Kaduna State Government for their success.

“Our coach has been amazing — we train even when no competition is near,” she said.

“The Kaduna State Government ensures we get to camp early, which helps us prepare better. Early preparation and teamwork have really paid off.”

Cornelius, who has represented Nigeria internationally, also spoke on the team’s ambitions for the Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC) slated for January 24–31, 2026, in Harare, Zimbabwe.

“We’ll need early camping and solid preparation to perform well in Zimbabwe. With good planning, we can challenge the best teams in Africa.”

With their victories, both Kada Stars and Kada Queens, alongside their runners-up — Police Machine and Plateau Queens — have qualified to represent Nigeria at the 2026 Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC) in Zimbabwe.

According to Yohanna Farouk, board member of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF) and Special Adviser to the Federation’s President, Nigeria’s club sides are now better positioned to challenge for continental glory.

“Kada Stars and Kada Queens have what it takes to make history in Zimbabwe,” he noted.

“Their exposure and experience from this Super League will make a big difference at the continental level.”

President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation, Simon Nkom, hailed the success of the 2025 edition, describing it as one of the most competitive in recent memory.

“Of all the Super Leagues we’ve organized, we’ve never had it this tough,” Nkom said.

“Every team was strong — there were no weak sides. This shows how much the game has grown in Nigeria. The reforms introduced under the National Sports Commission are working, and we’ll continue to build on this momentum.”

He also commended the media for their consistent support:

“You, the media, are major stakeholders. You’ve given hockey the visibility it deserves, and we truly appreciate your effort.”

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi, who graced the final, described the tournament as “a national success story,” urging government and private stakeholders to invest more in hockey development.

“You can’t believe this crowd came out just to watch hockey,” Ningi said.

“About 25 states now play hockey actively. But over the years, the sport had suffered neglect. That must change if we want growth.”

He also emphasized the unifying and reformative power of sports, particularly for Nigerian youth.

“Sports takes young people off the streets and away from crime. Look around — these athletes have spent a whole week competing passionately for their states without pay in some cases. That’s patriotism,” he stressed.