With just days to the 2025 Hockey Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set for 11th to 18th October, 2025, in Egypt, the President of the Hockey Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Simon Nkom, has expressed confidence that both the men’s and women’s national teams are primed to deliver podium finishes and make the nation proud.
Speaking during the weekend in Abuja after the last leg of friendly games involving both teams at the Hockey Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Nkom said the Federation’s comprehensive preparation programme was designed to ensure that the players are fully conditioned for the rigours of the continent’s top competition.
He said, “In sports, whether hockey, handball, or basketball, fitness is everything. That’s why we began camping weeks ago to toughen the players for the demands of this championship. This is not a local event; it’s the African Cup of Nations, the highest level on the continent. We’ve done the work, the players are ready, and we’re confident of a podium finish.
Nkom stated that Nigerian hockey has recorded remarkable progress in recent years, with the country’s global ranking improving from 56th to 36th as Nigeria now sits 12th in the world in Hockey5s.
“A few years ago, people doubted whether hockey still existed in Nigeria. Today, our women’s team ranks 3rd in Africa, and the men’s team is 4th. These achievements reflect our dedication to grassroots development and continuous improvement,” the HFN boss added.
To prevent the common issue of late arrivals at international tournaments, Nkom confirmed that both teams will depart Nigeria on Tuesday, 7th October, to acclimatise and play a few warm-up matches ahead of the competition.
“We’ve made arrangements for early departure. The players are calm and focused. I’ve told them to play freely and give their best; the results will follow. By God’s grace, they’ll return home proud and victorious.”
He also commended the HFN board for its commitment and teamwork over the past four years, noting that their collective effort has driven the sport’s steady progress across the country.
Head coach, Ndana Baba Abdullahi, who oversees both the men’s and women’s teams, praised the Federation’s support and lauded the players’ work ethic throughout the extended training camp, adding that the early arrival in Egypt would give Nigeria a crucial psychological and tactical edge.
“We’ve worked very hard, morning and evening sessions, tactical drills, conditioning. The players have responded excellently. We started with 35 players and are now down to the final 18 who will make the trip,” Abdullahi said.
Men’s and women’s teams captains, Michael John and Alfa Cornelius, respectively, said they will not let the country down as they will match their opponents skill for skill, strength for strength.
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