The president of Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engineer Simon Nkom, has charged players in the country’s boys and girls teams to compete with determination, discipline and resilience at the U18 Africa Hockey 5s Championship in Nairobi, Kenya.
Sports247 reports that, with the competition set to kick off this Thursday, Engineer Nkom pointed out that, apart from providing the players with a rare opportunity to achieve continental glory, it is also the qualification route to this year’s FIH Hockey 5s World Cup.
Nkom added that the championship also reflects the steady progress being made by the NHF in grassroots hockey development across the country, as it will bring together some of Africa’s most promising young hockey talents in what is expected to be a highly competitive tournament.
With qualification for the global championship in Cairo, Egypt at stake, Nkom said he believes everyone in the delegation of 10 male players, 10 females and their officials is fully prepared for the continental challenge, following months of intensive training and preparations.
He further noted that Nigeria’s participation in the competition, where all teams are expected to field their brightest young talents, underscores the NHF’s long-term commitment to developing young players who are capable of competing successfully at continental and global levels.
Beyond the race for continental honours, the tournament carries added significance for the future, as the champions and runners-up in both boys’ and girls’ categories will qualify to represent Africa at the global championship that is scheduled to be held in December.
Nkom expressed confidence in the ability of the players to compete gamely against all opponents at the competition, which he further described as a very important platform for Nigeria’s emerging hockey stars to test themselves against top opposition and gain valuable international experience.
“The U18 Africa Hockey 5s Championship is a significant opportunity for our young athletes to test their skills against the best on the continent and gain valuable international exposure. We are optimistic that both our male and female teams will compete with determination, discipline and resilience.
“(They will show the fighting spirit) that Nigerian athletes are known for,” enthused Nkom, who added that securing a place at the FIH World Cup would represent another important milestone in the NHF’s efforts to rebuild Nigeria’s hockey programme and return to prominence on the international stage.
, Engineer Simon Nkom, has charged players in the country's boys and girls teams){kind=link}