Nigeria’s U18 boys’ and girls’ hockey teams will begin their quest for continental glory and qualification for the 2026 FIH Hockey5s World Cup when they compete at the U18 Africa Hockey 5s Championship scheduled to hold in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 6 to 8.

The championship will bring together some of Africa’s most promising young hockey talents in what is expected to be a highly competitive tournament, with qualification for the global championship in Cairo, Egypt, at stake. Blueprint reports

The Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), in a statement signed by its President, Engr. Simon Nkom, said Team Nigeria is fully prepared for the continental championship after months of intensive training and preparations.

According to the federation, Nigeria will be represented by a delegation of 26 athletes and officials, comprising 10 male players, 10 female players, coaches and technical officials, all of whom are determined to make the country proud in Nairobi.

Qualification ticket at stake

Beyond the race for continental honours, the tournament carries added significance as it serves as the African qualifying event for the 2026 FIH Hockey5s World Cup, scheduled to take place in Cairo, Egypt, in December.

The champions and runners-up in both the boys’ and girls’ competitions will qualify to represent Africa at the global championship, making every match in Nairobi crucial.

The qualification opportunity has further raised the stakes for participating nations, with teams expected to field some of their brightest young talents.

For Nigeria, securing a place at the World Cup would represent another important milestone in the country’s efforts to rebuild its hockey programme and return to prominence on the international stage.

NHF optimistic of strong outing

Speaking ahead of the team’s departure, NHF President Engr. Simon Nkom expressed confidence in the ability of the young athletes to compete favourably against the continent’s best.

He described the tournament as an important platform for Nigeria’s emerging hockey stars to test themselves against top opposition while gaining valuable international experience.

“The U18 Africa Hockey 5s Championship is a significant opportunity for our young athletes to test their skills against the best on the continent and gain valuable international exposure,” Nkom said.

“We are optimistic that both our male and female teams will compete with determination, discipline and the resilience that Nigerian athletes are known for.”

According to him, the championship also reflects the steady progress being made in grassroots hockey development across the country.

Focus on youth development

The federation noted that Nigeria’s participation underscores its long-term commitment to developing young players capable of competing successfully at continental and global levels.

Over the years, the NHF has intensified efforts to strengthen grassroots hockey through talent identification programmes, youth competitions and improved technical development aimed at producing the next generation of national team players.

Officials believe participation in tournaments such as the Africa Hockey 5s Championship provides young athletes with the exposure needed to accelerate their development while preparing them for future senior national team responsibilities.

The federation added that consistent participation in international youth competitions remains essential to raising Nigeria’s competitiveness in African hockey.

Growing popularity of Hockey5s

Hockey5s, a shorter and faster version of traditional field hockey, has continued to gain popularity across the world since its introduction by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

The format features five players per side on a smaller playing area, producing quicker transitions, higher scoring games and more exciting contests for players and spectators alike.

The International Hockey Federation has continued to promote Hockey5s as a vehicle for expanding the sport globally, particularly among younger athletes and emerging hockey nations.

Nigeria has increasingly embraced the format as part of efforts to broaden participation and improve the country’s competitiveness at international competitions.

National Sports Commission support

The Nigeria Hockey Federation acknowledged the support received from the National Sports Commission (NSC), describing the Commission’s backing as instrumental to the team’s preparations for the championship.

The federation also appreciated parents, sponsors and members of the hockey community whose contributions made the team’s participation possible.

According to the NHF, collaboration among stakeholders remains critical to sustaining the development of hockey in Nigeria and ensuring that young athletes continue to enjoy opportunities to compete internationally.

Call for national support

As Team Nigeria prepares to begin its campaign in Nairobi, the federation appealed to Nigerians both at home and abroad to support the young athletes throughout the competition.

It expressed optimism that the players would demonstrate discipline, determination and the fighting spirit associated with Nigerian sportsmen and women.

The federation said the athletes are not only competing for medals but also for the opportunity to secure Nigeria’s place at the FIH Hockey5s World Cup later this year.

With qualification for the global championship on the line and the country’s growing investment in youth sports development, expectations are high that both the boys’ and girls’ teams will rise to the occasion and deliver performances capable of enhancing Nigeria’s reputation on the African hockey scene.

The championship in Nairobi is therefore expected to serve as another important test of Nigeria’s emerging hockey talents as they seek to earn continental honours and book a place among the world’s best at the 2026 FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Cairo.