Nigeria’s men’s hockey team wrapped up their campaign at the 2025 Hockey Africa Cup of Nations on a high note, claiming the bronze medal with an impressive 3–1 win over Kenya in the third-place playoff at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt
The victory sealed a strong finish for the Nigerian side in the 12th edition of the continental championship, which was organized by the African Hockey Federation and featured top teams from across the continent.
Nigeria got off to a flying start when Solomon Dennis opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a well-placed field goal. Kenya hit back eight minutes later through Usagi Sutcliffe, who leveled the score at 1–1 before halftime.
After the break, the West Africans took full control. Star forward Samaila James restored Nigeria’s lead in the 44th minute with a thunderous strike from a penalty corner and struck again five minutes later to make it 3–1, securing the bronze medal for his team.
The result served as redemption for Nigeria following their women’s team’s narrow 1–0 loss to Kenya in their own bronze medal match, decided by a 45th-minute goal from Bwire Grace.
Meanwhile, South Africa continued their dominance on the continent, thrashing hosts Egypt 5–1 in the men’s final to claim a record-extending eighth African title and qualify for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands. Their women’s team also clinched gold, beating Ghana 4–0 to secure their ninth title.
For Nigeria, the bronze marked another step forward in their hockey development. With improved organization, tactical discipline, and attacking efficiency, the team’s performance highlighted their growing potential on the African stage.
Samaila James emerged as one of the tournament’s brightest stars, finishing as top scorer with eight goals — a testament to Nigeria’s rising competitiveness in African hockey.
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