Simon Nkom, President, Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), has called for greater investment in hockey infrastructure, saying improved facilities are essential to sustaining the revival of the sport in the country.
Nkom made the call on Friday at the opening of the 2026 Nigeria Hockey Super League (NHSL) in Abuja.
The report states that the NHF president was represented by the federation’s Vice-President, Tunde Popoola.
He said Nigerian hockey was gradually reclaiming its place among the country’s leading sports through strategic planning, improved coaching, grassroots development and the support of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Popoola, a former international player, recalled playing on the Abuja hockey pitch when it was commissioned in 2003, describing it as one of the finest hockey facilities in the world at the time.
“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.
“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,” he said.
He, however, identified inadequate infrastructure as the biggest challenge confronting the sport, noting that Nigeria currently has only three standard synthetic hockey pitches.
According to him, the shortage of facilities has made it impossible to operate a home-and-away league format.
Popoola appealed to governments at all levels, particularly states hosting the National Sports Festival, to construct standard hockey pitches as legacy projects to promote grassroots development.
“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,” he said.
Speaking on the title race, Popoola described defending champions Kada Stars as one of the favourites after their impressive opening-day victory but said the championship remained wide open.
“They have started strongly and I expect them to reach the final.
“Whether they retain the title is something only the competition will determine,” he said.
The report states that Kada Stars won the men’s title at the 2025 Nigeria Hockey Super League after defeating Police Machine 3-2 on penalties.
Kada Queens also retained the women’s title after defeating Plateau Queens 2-0 in the final.
The 2026 NHSL features nine teams in the men’s category: Kada Stars, Police Machine, Niger Flickers, Stallions of Lagos, Adamawa State Hockey Team, Plateau Tigers, IGP Flickers, South West and Yobe Desert Rollers.
The women’s competition features seven teams: Kada Queens, Plateau Queens, Delta Queens, Yobe Desert Queens, IGP Babes, South West and Edo Queens.
The report states that the league, which began on Friday, will end on July 5 at the National Hockey Pitch of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.