By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Defending champions Kada Stars opened their 2026 Nigeria Hockey Super League campaign in commanding fashion with a 4-0 victory over the South West Hockey Team on Friday at the National Hockey Pitch, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The Kaduna-based side dominated the Pool A encounter from start to finish, scoring twice in each half to underline their title credentials.
Victor Kish gave Kada Stars the lead in the 15th minute, converting a penalty corner before Eikana Ibrahim doubled the advantage with a field goal three minutes later to hand the champions a comfortable 2-0 lead at halftime.
South West’s hopes of a comeback were dented after Omolade Olasukanmi received a yellow card in the 20th minute, while captain Umar Adamu was also cautioned in the 39th minute.
Kada Stars maintained their dominance after the break as Daniel Janar converted another penalty corner in the 50th minute before Ibrahim completed his brace with a well-taken field goal four minutes later to seal a convincing 4-0 victory.
Speaking after the match, Kada Stars captain Kelvin Linus credited the team’s preparation for the emphatic win.
“We prepared very well for the tournament. We’ve been in finals before and achieved success. This time we trained very hard because we are aiming for another podium finish,” he said.
Representing the President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engineer Simon Obadiah Nkom, Tunde Popoola expressed optimism about the sport’s revival, saying the quality of play has improved significantly.
“I have seen a lot already. The difference in the standard of hockey is clear. There is better coaching, greater commitment from the players and the gap in quality is gradually closing. The standard of Nigerian hockey has improved,” Popoola said.
He, however, identified the shortage of artificial hockey turfs as a major obstacle to expanding the domestic league into a home-and-away format.
“We have only about three standard hockey pitches in the country. Until more facilities are built, it will remain difficult to operate a nationwide home-and-away league,” he added.
Former Germany women’s national team head coach Michael Behrmann, who is in Nigeria under a sports development initiative supported by the German government, said he was impressed by the level of competition on the opening day.
“I’ve seen great matches and a lot of enthusiasm. I was quite impressed by some of the men’s players today and I’m looking forward to watching the women’s matches as well,” Behrmann said.
Nigeria Hockey Federation board member and former international Farouk Johanna said the emergence of young players reflected the federation’s deliberate efforts to develop the next generation.
“It is encouraging to see so many young players coming through. Exposure is the biggest gift we can give them because that is what helps them grow into top players,” he said.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Edika Abo, described the opening day’s performances as a positive sign for the future of Nigerian hockey.
“The young players have shown tremendous promise. Even teams without standard facilities displayed quality hockey. That gives us confidence that the future of the game is bright,” he said.
Abo also appealed for the upgrade of the National Hockey Pitch, noting that the facility, built in 2003, has served the sport well but now requires resurfacing to meet modern standards.
The 2026 Nigeria Hockey Super League, featuring nine men’s teams and seven women’s teams, will run until July 5 in Abuja.
Elsewhere in the men’s competition, Stallions of Lagos defeated Adamawa State Hockey Team 2-0, Niger Flickers and Plateau Tigers played out a 2-2 draw, while Police Machine overwhelmed IGP Flickers 9-1.
In the women’s category, Kada Queens thrashed South West 6-0, Plateau Queens defeated IGP Babes 5-0, and Delta Queens also secured a 5-0 victory over Yobe Desert Queens.
