Nigeria Hockey Team Set to Jet out for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Nigeria’s men’s and women’s national hockey teams will fly out on October 7 for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Ismailia, Egypt, with the players, coaches, and federation officials radiating confidence and unity ahead of the continental showpiece.

The tournament, scheduled for October 11-18, will feature Africa’s hockey powerhouses South Africa, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and Zambia, as Nigeria aims to secure its place among the elite.

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President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engineer Simon Nkom, expressed optimism over the team’s chances, saying the early preparation and improved organization have raised expectations.

“This is not a club championship; this is Africa’s biggest stage.

We have trained for weeks, built our fitness, and refined our tactics. I can tell you with every sense of conviction that Nigeria will not go to Egypt to participate, we are going to compete.”

The NHF boss noted that Nigeria’s steady rise in international rankings reflects years of consistent work.

“Just four years ago, we were 56th in the world. Today, we are 36th. In hockey 5s, we are 12th globally.”

You can see 12 year olds playing against the senior national team that’s the future we are building.

Most of our current players were discovered young. We catch them early, train them right, and let them grow into national stars.”

Head coach Ndana Baba Abdullahi, who Oversees both the men’s and women’s teams, praised the federation for its support and commended the players’ work ethic during an extended training camp.

“When you read well, you expect good results.

We’ve done the hard work, and I’m confident we’ll get a podium finish. The players know what’s at stake, but they’re calm, focused, and ready.”

In Africa, Nigeria women are ranked third and the men fourth.