By Joel Ajayi
The ongoing 2026 Hockey Super League has continued to earn widespread commendation from referees, coaches, and key stakeholders, who have praised the tournament’s impressive standard, competitive intensity, and role in developing young talents across Nigeria.
Speaking during the competition, on Teusday at the ongoing 2026 Super league, FIH Nigeria’s Umpire Manager, Kolo Jibril Mamman described umpiring as one of the most demanding aspects of the sport, stressing that commitment, discipline, and fairness remain essential qualities for success.
According to him, becoming a successful umpire requires total dedication and a strong sense of responsibility.
“Umpiring is not easy at all. To succeed, you must be highly committed and willing to dedicate your time and energy to the profession,” he said.
He explained that an umpire must remain calm and composed under pressure, noting that every decision on the pitch carries significant consequences.
“Umpiring is like being a judge in a courtroom. If you are not fair and objective, you can get things completely wrong. Fairness and accuracy are essential,” he added.
Mamman also highlighted efforts being made to strengthen officiating in Nigerian hockey, revealing that the federation organized a two-day seminar for umpires ahead of the tournament to improve their technical understanding of the game.
He noted that increased tournament participation, training camps, and exposure to international officiating standards would help reduce mistakes and improve the quality of umpiring in the country.
Also speaking, German hockey expert Michael Berman praised the technical quality of matches in the Super League, saying the competition offers valuable learning opportunities for coaches and players alike.
According to Berman, the tournament has showcased strong tactical awareness, structured team play, and improved individual performances.
“There is a lot to learn from these teams—structured hockey, individual play, penalty corners, and overall game tactics,” he said.
Berman noted that coaching in hockey goes beyond understanding how to play the game, emphasizing that coaches play a crucial role in improving players and managing matches.
“Players know how to play, but they do not always know how to make the right tactical decisions in every situation. That is where coaches become important,” he said.
He also commended the dedication of Nigerian coaches, describing them as hardworking and eager to improve despite their demanding schedules.
On talent development, the German expert said Nigeria possesses several promising young players who could elevate the nation’s status in international hockey if properly nurtured.
He recommended increased international exposure for young talents through training and competitions in stronger hockey nations to accelerate their development.
Former Nigerian hockey international and Technical Assistant to the President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation, Yohanna Faruk, also applauded the tournament’s quality, describing it as a major platform for youth development.
Faruk praised the leadership of the Nigeria Hockey Federation for sustaining initiatives aimed at exposing young players to high-level competition.
He noted that the presence of emerging players across multiple teams reflects the federation’s long-term development strategy.
“I am very pleased with the standard of play because I have seen many young players across different teams. That is a very positive sign for the future of Nigerian hockey,” Faruk stated.
He further explained that Nigeria’s hockey development plan includes consistent participation in African competitions and gradual integration of younger players into the senior national team.
According to him, this strategy has already begun yielding positive results, as more players gain experience and adapt to higher levels of competition.
Faruk added that while international exposure remains important, the gap between Nigerian hockey and other nations is gradually narrowing.
“The level is becoming increasingly competitive, and that is encouraging for Nigerian hockey,” he said.
Looking ahead to future competitions, Faruk expressed confidence in the current crop of players, noting that preparations for upcoming championships are already in motion.
He concluded by commending the President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation for his dedication and leadership over the past five years, saying his efforts have significantly contributed to the growth of hockey in Nigeria.
With positive reviews from officials, coaches, and stakeholders, the 2026 Hockey Super League is increasingly being seen as a major catalyst for raising standards, improving officiating, and strengthening the future of hockey in Nigeria.
