President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Simon Nkom, has advocated for greater investment in infrastructure and improved facilities, saying they are key to sustaining the sport’s revival in Nigeria.
Nkom, who stated this while fielding questions from journalists at the Hockey Pitch, package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, said through the support of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the National Sports Commission (NSC), hockey in Nigeria is gradually reclaiming its place among the country’s top sports through strategic planning, better coaching and grassroots development.
Represented by the Federation’s vice president, Babatunde Popoola, the HFN boss called on governments at all levels to build standard hockey pitches as legacy projects to promote grassroots development, describing the Abuja Hockey Pitch as one of the best in the world when it was commissioned in 2003.
Nkom said, “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 who are determined to restore it to its rightful position.
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“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.
“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.
“We appeal to governments at all levels to invest in more hockey facilities because that is the quickest way to grow the sport.”
Meanwhile, a hockey expert and former coach of the Germany women’s national hockey team, Micheal Behrmann, who is visiting Nigeria under a sports development initiative supported by the German Government, has given his support to develop the game in the country through capacity building for coaches.
Behrmann said he was encouraged by the level of competition and standard of play among the teams as the competition progresses.
He said, “I am here to support Nigerian hockey with my experience and knowledge. I will work with coaches and help strengthen the technical capacity of the game.”
Also in her remarks, the chairperson, marketing, NHF, Mrs Mercy Alexandra, commended the level of enthusiasm displayed by the teams saying they will get the needed support from the Federation.
She said, “I’m somebody who loves to support people and when people are doing so well, whatever way we can come together to appreciate them, we’ll do that. They do that in football so why not doing it in hockey. We are doing so well. Last year was amazing and we should encourage them by giving out little gifts to say we thank you for what you are doing.
“I’m contributing my own quota because I have the right people around me. If I don’t have it, this won’t be possible. I’m also pleading that we should all work as a team, as a family to make sure that hockey won’t just be any other sport but a sport to be reckoned with not just in Nigeria but all over the world by God’s grace.”
