With spirits high and sticks sharpened, Nigeria’s men’s and women’s hockey teams are gearing up for a historic campaign at the 2025 Hockey Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for October 11–18 in Ismailia, Egypt.
After weeks of intense preparation in Abuja, the Hockey Federation of Nigeria (HFN) says both squads are “battle-ready” for Africa’s biggest hockey stage.
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“Fitness is everything in sports,” said HFN President Simon Nkom. “Our players have trained hard to be in top shape, and we’re confident of a podium finish.”
Nkom pointed to Nigeria’s steady climb in the world rankings — from 56th to 36th globally, and 12th in Hockey5s — as proof of the federation’s renewed commitment to grassroots development and sustained progress.
“A few years ago, people questioned if hockey still existed in Nigeria,” he noted. “Today, our progress speaks for itself.”
Both teams will depart Nigeria on October 7 for acclimatisation and warm-up matches in Egypt ahead of the tournament’s opening face-off.
Head coach Ndana Abdullahi praised the players’ discipline and intensity throughout camp, revealing that the final 18-man roster was selected from an initial pool of 35.
“We’ve had double sessions every day — tactical, physical, and mental,” Abdullahi said. “The team is focused and ready to compete.”
The men’s team will aim to surpass their 2022 bronze-medal finish in Accra, while the women’s side is targeting a first-ever final appearance — a potential milestone in Nigerian hockey history.
With momentum, morale, and measurable progress on their side, Team Nigeria heads to Egypt not just to participate — but to make a statement.
