Dikko Reiterates Commitment to Hockey Revival, Kada Stars Become National Hockey Super League Champions 2026
Oru Leonard
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to reviving hockey in Nigeria through improved infrastructure, grassroots development and stronger domestic competitions, as Kada Stars emerged champions of the 2026 National Hockey Super League.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the championship on Saturday in Abuja, Dikko commended the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), for successfully organising what he described as a world-class competition that aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda for sports development.
According to him, the Super League demonstrates the commission’s vision of building a vibrant sports economy by strengthening local competitions while creating pathways for Nigerian athletes to excel internationally.
Dikko disclosed that discussions with the President of the African Hockey Federation, Seif El Dine Ahmed, and technical experts from Germany confirmed that Nigeria possesses the talent to compete globally once the necessary facilities are provided.
He announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the rehabilitation of sports infrastructure nationwide, including the upgrade of the national hockey pitch to international standards.
“We have already identified a world-class turf in consultation with the African Hockey Federation. Once the facility is upgraded, Nigeria will be in a position to host major African hockey championships,” Dikko said.
He added that sports remain a unifying force capable of promoting national cohesion while driving economic growth through tourism, employment and investment.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development, Senator Abdul Ningi, called for greater government investment across all sports federations, stressing that sports development should not be limited to football alone.
He praised the Nigeria Hockey Federation for sustaining the Super League despite financial constraints and urged increased support for the country’s over 20 sporting federations.
Nigeria Hockey Federation President, Simeon Nkom, described the tournament as the federation’s most successful championship, citing the quality of competition and the calibre of dignitaries in attendance.
Nkom noted that the national hockey pitch, constructed for the 2003 All Africa Games, had exceeded its lifespan and no longer met international standards, expressing optimism that the planned renovation would restore Nigeria’s capacity to host continental tournaments.
On the field of play, Kaduna-based Kada Stars successfully defended their men’s title after edging Plateau Tigers 3-2 in a thrilling final to complete an unbeaten campaign.
The champions recorded impressive victories throughout the tournament, defeating Southwest, IGP Flickers, Yobe Desert Rollers, Niger Flickers, Police Machine, Adamawa State and Stallions on their way to the title.
Team captain Kelvin Linus credited the triumph to months of rigorous preparation and the confidence gained from winning a tournament in Ghana before the Super League.
“We trained very hard for this tournament and believed we could become champions. Even during difficult moments, we trusted ourselves, our coaches and our preparation,” he said.
Head coach Ndana Baba attributed the club’s continued dominance to its strong grassroots development programme, saying the team was built through a structured youth system rather than expensive player recruitment.
“We produce our players from the Under-16 level through to the senior team. That development model is the foundation of our success,” Baba said, while expressing confidence that the club can compete for honours at the forthcoming African Club Championship.
In the women’s category, Kada Queens also retained their title with a convincing 2-0 victory over Plateau Queens.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Osifo Emefile, Director of Sports of the Nigeria Police Force, commended his team’s performance and praised the improving standard of hockey in Nigeria, while acknowledging the support of the Inspector-General of Police in enabling the Force to field three teams at the championship.
The 2026 National Hockey Super League ended with renewed optimism for the future of hockey in Nigeria, as stakeholders expressed confidence that improved infrastructure, sustained domestic competitions and increased government support would restore the country’s status among Africa’s leading hockey nations.
