President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, has expressed strong optimism about the future of hockey in Nigeria, citing significant progress made over the past four years despite persistent challenges, particularly the lack of corporate sponsorship.
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja the Nation’s capital, Nkom said hockey has quietly but steadily risen to become one of the country’s top 10 most active sports—largely due to strategic planning, grassroots development, and the unwavering support of the federation’s board.
“We’ve made remarkable strides in a very short time. Despite limited funding, hockey continues to grow in structure, participation, and international competitiveness,” Nkom said.
Rising Domestic Interest
Preparations are already underway for the 2025 Hockey League season, scheduled to begin in August. According to Nkom, the upcoming season is expected to feature a record number of participating clubs, reflecting increased interest from both athletes and institutions.
“We’re seeing more clubs registering for the league, and that shows growing confidence in the system we’re building,” he added.
The federation has also focused on youth engagement, coaching education, and the revival of school and collegiate hockey—key pillars in its long-term development strategy.
Strong International Presence
On the international front, Nkom highlighted Nigeria’s steady improvement on the continental and global stage. The national men’s team clinched bronze at the 2022 Africa Hockey Nations Cup, while both male and female teams earned silver and bronze medals, respectively, at the 2023 African Games in Accra.
Nigeria also made history by competing in the inaugural FIH Hockey5s World Cup held in Muscat, Oman, after finishing second in the African qualifiers. The youth teams have likewise maintained a consistent presence in regional tournaments, underscoring the depth of emerging talent.
“Our clubs are now regular medal contenders at the African Cup for Club Championships (ACCC). In 2024, we had five teams—three female and two male—represent Nigeria. That’s a major milestone for our hockey development agenda,” Nkom said.
Support and Sustainability
The NHF President commended the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission (NSC) for their renewed focus on sports development, describing it as the most promising period for Nigerian sports in recent memory.
“The support from the NSC and Federal Government has been instrumental. We’re seeing better coordination, more encouragement, and a clearer pathway for growth,” he stated.
Nkom called on the private sector to take more interest in supporting hockey and other lesser-funded sports, arguing that the sport’s rising profile and improved international results make it a worthy investment.
Looking Ahead — and Forward
With the 2025 Africa Hockey Nations Cup set to take place in Egypt, Nkom said Nigeria will go into the tournament with a target of improving on its past performances and pushing for a place in the top two.
As for his own future, Nkom revealed that he remains open to leading the federation for another term—but only if stakeholders believe he should continue.
“Our performance speaks for itself, but I believe in collective decision-making. I’ll consult with the board and key stakeholders before making any decision about running again,” he said.