The chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has restated the Federal Government’s commitment to giving hockey its rightful position in Nigerian sports, saying this will be achieved through strategic investment in infrastructure, grassroots development and stronger domestic competitions.
Dikko, who was the special guest of honour during the activities marking the end of the 2026 Nigeria Hockey Super League, which was held at the Hockey Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium on Sunday in Abuja, said the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE) under President Bola Tinubu’s administration is aimed at strengthening the country’s sports by creating regular competitions to nurture local talents to international stardom, while adding that sports remained a catalyst for economic growth, youth empowerment, social inclusion and national unity.
The NSC boss added that President Bola has approved the rehabilitation of sports infrastructure across the country while adding that the national hockey pitch, which was built by the Olusegun Obasanjo’s government when Nigeria hosted the 2003 All-African Games codenamed ‘COJA’, would be upgraded to modern international standards.
According to Dikko, the upgraded facility (hockey pitch) would serve as a model for states across the federation and encourage greater investment in hockey development.
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Dikko stated, “This tournament perfectly aligns with the vision of the National Sports Commission under the Renewed Hope Initiative for a vibrant sports economy. Our priority is to strengthen domestic sports by creating regular competitions that will nurture talent before athletes compete internationally.
“We know we have the talent. What we need now is to upgrade our facilities and create the right environment for our athletes to develop and compete anywhere in the world. We have already identified the appropriate world-class turf in consultation with the African Hockey Federation. Once this facility is upgraded, Nigeria will be in a strong position to host a major African hockey tournament.”
President of Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Simeon Nkom, thanked the leadership of the NSC for its support and commended the players for their spirit of sportsmanship, describing the 2026 league as the most successful in the Federation’s history so far.
“I can confidently say this has been the best championship we have organised. The presence of the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, the President of the African Hockey Federation, our sponsors, partners and the media shows that hockey is receiving the recognition it deserves. The turnout also demonstrates the growing interest in the sport,” he said.
The chairperson, sponsor and marketing, NHF, Mrs Mercy Alexandra, in her remarks, thanked the sponsors for their support throughout the competition and the media for the coverage.
She said, “First of all, we need to give all glory to and thanks to Almighty God for making it possible, and also I want to thank the teams for making sure that hockey has a brand new face which you are seeing today.
“I also want to thank the sponsors because one of the reasons we’re all celebrating today is because they were able to come and they listened and gave their support. They supported, and we are seeing it.
“I thank the media too because they have put in their best from day one till the end by promoting the Nigeria Hockey Federation, and I’m happy we’re able to do it together to the glory of God. I hope we come together in 2027 and do it again.”
Defending champions, Kaduna-based Kada Stars and their female teams retained their status, emerging as winners of the male and the female categories. The Stars defeated Plateau Tigers 3-1 in the final and amassed a total of 24 points in eight games without dropping a single game.
