Nigeria’s men hockey team finished their 2025 Hockey Africa Cup of Nations campaign on a high, defeating Kenya 3–1 to secure the bronze medal at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt.
The result capped off a remarkable tournament for the Nigerians, who remained disciplined, resilient in attack throughout the two-week continental competition, which was organized by the African Hockey Federation.
Nigeria made a bright start in the bronze medal clash, taking the lead in the 16th minute through Solomon Dennis, whose well-taken field goal gave the Kenyans little chance to recover.
Kenya, however, hit back eight minutes later when Usagi Sutcliffe slotted home a field goal to level the game at 1–1. After the restart, the West Africans took control through their set-piece efficiency.
Tournament standout, Samaila James restored Nigeria’s lead in the 44th minute with a powerful strike from a penalty corner, before doubling the advantage five minutes later with another thunderous finish to seal a 3–1 victory.
The win handed Nigeria the bronze medal, also, this is their second consecutive podium finish at the continental championship.
Redemption After Women’s Hockey Team Defeat
The victory also provided redemption for Nigeria after their women’s team narrowly lost 1–0 to Kenya in their own third-place playoff.
Bwire Grace’s 45th-minute field goal proved the difference, denying Nigeria a double podium finish in Ismailia.
South Africa Reign Supreme Again
In the men’s final, South Africa dominated the African Hockey Cup with a 5–1 win over hosts Egypt, capturing their eighth continental title and booking a ticket to the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The women’s team mirrored that success, cruising to a 4–0 victory over Ghana to clinch their ninth African title and confirm their place at the global tournament.
Nigeria’s Rising Influence in African Hockey
Nigerian’s bronze medal narrates the nation’s steady rise in the sport. Forward Samaila James finished as the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals, highlighting the team’s growth, tactically under coach Ndana Abdullahi.
Nigeria Hockey Federation President Simon Nkom had earlier declared his confidence in both national teams to make the nation proud, citing weeks of intense preparation and improved fitness levels.
“A few years ago, people doubted if hockey still existed in Nigeria. Today, our achievements reflect our dedication to development and continuous improvement,” he said.
“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 said.
Preparation, Progress, and Promise
Under Nkom’s leadership, Nigeria has risen from 56th to 36th in the global rankings and currently ranks 12th in the world in the Hockey5s format.
Coach Ndana Abdullahi, who leads both national sides, praised the players’ work ethic:
“We’ve worked very hard, with morning and evening sessions focused on tactical drills and conditioning.”
“The players have responded excellently. We started with 35 players and are now down to the final 18 who will make the trip,” he said.
He added that the early arrival in Egypt would give the team an edge psychologically and provide tactical advantage.
