Newly re-elected President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Simon Nkom, says his second term will focus on building a sustainable grassroots hockey system, improving infrastructure, and expanding the game’s reach across the country.
Nkom secured a decisive victory with 10 votes, while Tunde Popoola was elected as Vice President with 8 votes, in an election conducted under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Sports Development.
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Speaking after his re-election, Nkom said the victory comes with renewed responsibility and an even greater challenge to push Nigerian hockey to new heights.
“This re-election is not a personal triumph but a call to service,” Nkom told reporters in Abuja. “We’ve made progress in the last few years, but now is the time to double our efforts, particularly in youth development, coaching, and modern training infrastructure.”
He outlined plans to establish regional hockey academies, integrate hockey into secondary school sports programmes, and upgrade training facilities with artificial pitches — a long-standing demand from players and coaches.
“We want to give young athletes the opportunity to train in world-class conditions,” Nkom added. “Nigeria is full of raw talent, but without proper infrastructure and structured development, that potential goes to waste.”
The NHF boss also pledged to seek new sponsorships and partnerships to reduce financial dependence on government funding.
“Private sector collaboration is essential,” he noted. “We need to make hockey commercially attractive to sponsors, and we’ll be introducing more local tournaments and exhibition events to achieve that.”
Observers have praised Nkom’s previous term for stabilizing the federation and securing Nigeria’s participation in multiple African Hockey Championships. However, critics say the sport still struggles with visibility and funding compared to football and athletics.
With a new mandate and a clear vision, Nkom says his administration is “ready to deliver a hockey renaissance that Nigerians will be proud of.”
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