Former Nigerian hockey international and Technical Assistant to the President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation, Yohanna Faruk, in this interview with Joel Ajayi, speaks on the prospects of hockey in Nigeria, the 2026 Hockey Men and Women Super League, the significance of the visit of the African Hockey Federation President and a German hockey coach to Nigeria, as well as the board’s efforts toward improving players’ welfare and driving grassroots development of the sport.
Abuja is set to host the 2026 Hockey Super League. Can you tell us what makes this year’s edition special?
This year’s Hockey Super League is very unique and special because the stakes are much higher than in previous editions.
The competition is not just about winning trophies at the national level; the champions will go on to represent Nigeria at the African Hockey Championship, which adds a new level of competitiveness and excitement.
How many teams are participating this year?
We currently have about 13 teams competing in the men’s category and 9 teams in the women’s category. That number alone tells you that interest in hockey is increasing across the country.
Teams such as Kada Stars and Kada Queens recently performed strongly in regional championships in Ghana, where they showed quality and determination.
Other teams have also intensified preparations, holding training camps and friendly matches to ensure they are ready. The quality of preparation this year suggests that fans should expect very competitive matches throughout the tournament.
Hockey seems to be gaining popularity in Nigeria. What has driven this growth?
The growth of hockey in Nigeria did not happen overnight. A major factor behind this progress is the leadership of the Nigeria Hockey Federation under Engineer Sambon Nkom.
Since he assumed office, there has been a clear commitment to development, organization, and long-term planning.
The federation has introduced programs aimed at grassroots development while also ensuring the senior teams remain competitive internationally. Consistent participation in international tournaments has improved our ranking and raised the confidence of players.
Not only that, exposure to international competition allows players to learn modern tactics and improve their technical abilities. We are seeing the result today in the quality of hockey being played across Nigeria.
We are seeing teams from almost every geopolitical zone. How important is that?
It is extremely important because it shows that hockey is spreading across the entire country. In the past, hockey was concentrated in a few states, especially in Northern Nigeria where the sport traditionally had strong roots.
Today, we are seeing participation from states across different regions, including the South-West, South-South, and North-Central. This wider participation is healthy for the sport because it expands the talent pool.
One key issue remains infrastructure. States with hockey turfs usually develop better players because turf training significantly improves speed, ball control, and tactical understanding. I strongly encourage more states and sports authorities to invest in building standard hockey pitches. That will accelerate development and improve competitiveness.
Who are the favourites for this year’s title?
Kada teams remain strong favourites because of their consistency and international exposure. However, other teams are training hard, so we expect strong competition in both categories.
Their players understand high-pressure matches and know what it takes to win. Other teams are training hard and improving rapidly. Teams from Plateau, Police, and several other states are expected to pose serious challenges. I believe this year’s competition will be more open and competitive than many people expect.
Nigeria recently dominated competitions in Ghana. Does that reflect real progress?
Absolutely. Our success in Ghana reflects the real progress Nigerian hockey has made over the years. It shows that the federation’s long-term investment is beginning to yield visible results. We are no longer thinking only about dominating at the regional level.
Our focus now is much bigger we want to compete strongly across Africa and eventually rank among the continent’s elite hockey nations. Victories in regional tournaments boost player confidence and also prove that our development programs are working.
What does the visit of the African Hockey Federation President mean for Nigeria?
Another major highlight is that we will be hosting the President of the African Hockey Federation Seif Ahmed in Nigeria during the tournament.
His visit shows the growing recognition of Nigeria in African hockey. In addition, a top coach from Germany will be in Nigeria to observe the competition, train our coaches, and help identify talented players for the national team. These developments make this year’s edition one of the most important in recent history.
Tell us about the German coach visiting Nigeria?
Coach Michael Berman’s visit is another major development. He will train Nigerian coaches and observe the Super League closely.
Beyond that, he will assist in selecting players for the national team. His neutral and professional perspective is very valuable because he has no bias toward any player or team.
He will assess players purely on performance, skill, and tactical intelligence. His presence will also help improve coaching methods in Nigeria, especially in areas such as player positioning, tactical structure, and match management. This kind of knowledge transfer is critical for long-term development.
Are Nigerian players getting opportunities abroad?
Yes, although we still want to see more Nigerian players playing professionally abroad. Queen Esther is currently playing in Italy and doing well, which is encouraging. International exposure benefits players tremendously because they compete at higher standards and return with valuable experience. When such players come back to represent the national team, they add quality and leadership. Our goal is to create more pathways for talented Nigerian players to secure opportunities in Europe and other top hockey leagues around the world.
What do teams gain from winning the Super League?
Beyond the prestige of becoming Nigerian champions, winners get the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the continental level. That is a major motivation for every team.
What Date, where is the 2026 Super Men And Women League commencing?
I want to praised the leadership of the Nigeria Hockey Federation for its efforts to reposition the sport ahead of the 2026 Hockey Super League, which begins on June 25 to 5th July 2026.
What message does the Federation President have for Hockey lovers?
The message is simple: come out and support Nigerian hockey. We invite all stakeholders, sports enthusiasts, and fans to the National Hockey Stadium at Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, to witness this exciting competition.
This year’s league promises thrilling matches, quality performances, and major developmental milestones. Nigerian hockey has a bright future, and this Super League will showcase that progress to the world.
