Team Nigeria Clinches Bronze in African Hockey Cup of Nations

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

 

Team Nigeria has returned home in high spirits after a remarkable showing at the African Hockey Cup of Nations (ACN) held in Ismailia, Egypt.

 

The men’s national team clinched a bronze medal — their best finish in recent years — capping off a strong continental campaign for the nation.

 

The Nigerian contingent, comprising entirely local-based players, spent over six intensive weeks in camp in Abuja, sharpening their skills and tactics before heading to Egypt.

 

Their preparation paid off, as both the men’s and women’s teams put up spirited and disciplined performances against some of Africa’s hockey heavyweights, including South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, and hosts Egypt.

 

The highlight of Nigeria’s participation came from the men’s team, who battled their way to the semifinals before defeating Kenya 3–1 in a thrilling third-place playoff to secure the bronze medal.

 

The result marks a significant milestone for Nigerian hockey, reaffirming the country’s growing presence on the continental stage.

 

Star forward James Samaila emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament, finishing as the competition’s top scorer with eight goals, a remarkable individual achievement that drew praise from fans and officials alike.

 

While the women’s team narrowly missed out on a podium finish, their fighting spirit and cohesive play earned them plaudits from spectators and fellow competitors.

 

Having also won bronze in previous editions, the team’s consistency underscores Nigeria’s increasing competitiveness in African women’s hockey.

 

Speaking on the team’s return to Nigeria, the President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engineer Simon O. Nkom, expressed immense pride in both squads, applauding their dedication, teamwork, and resilience throughout the competition.

 

“Our players showed the true Nigerian spirit,” Nkom said. “We’ll keep building on this foundation to achieve greater results. This bronze medal is not just a victory for the team, but for Nigerian hockey as a whole.”

 

He further described the performance as a major boost for the sport’s development, noting that the achievement will serve as motivation for upcoming players and a testament to the effectiveness of the federation’s grassroots initiatives.

 

“Our players displayed exceptional passion and discipline throughout the tournament. This achievement is a significant step forward for Nigerian hockey,” he added.

 

The NHF also extended appreciation to the Federal Sports Commission, corporate sponsors, and fans for their unwavering support and encouragement, reaffirming its commitment to youth development, talent scouting, and increased international exposure for Nigerian players.

 

With renewed optimism and momentum, the Federation says plans are already underway to ensure sustained progress ahead of future continental and global competitions.