Kada Stars were crowned champions of the 2026 National Hockey Super League after completing an impressive unbeaten campaign, as Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to upgrading hockey facilities and strengthening domestic competitions.
The Kaduna-based side sealed the title with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Plateau Tigers in their final match of the tournament on Saturday, to complete a remarkable run that also included victories over Southwest (4-0), IGP Flickers (8-0), Yobe Desert Rollers (6-0), Niger Flickers (5-0), Police Machine (5-1), Adamawa State (8-0) and Stallions (3-0).
Captain Kelvin Linus attributed the success to months of rigorous preparation and unwavering belief within the squad.
“We trained very hard for this tournament. We also competed in Ghana, won the championship there and came back believing we would conquer in Nigeria.
“There were moments of doubt during the competition, but we trusted ourselves, the coaches and the entire team. That belief made the difference,” he said.
Linus said the club’s attention has now shifted to the African Club Championship, expressing confidence that Kada Stars can challenge for continental honours.
Head coach Ndana Baba credited the club’s grassroots development model for its continued dominance, insisting that the team was built from within rather than through expensive recruitment.
“We came here to win. We didn’t come to draw or lose. Our players came through our development system from the Under-16 to the Under-18, Under-21 and finally the senior team. We don’t buy players; we produce them. That structure is giving us results,” Baba stated.
The coach added that Nigerian hockey is gradually closing the gap on the continent’s traditional powerhouses and called for more international exposure for local players.
Police Machine finished runners-up after another strong campaign. Director of Sports of the Nigeria Police Force, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Osifo Emefile, applauded his players for their performance and praised the increasing standard of hockey in the country.
“Our team gave everything and finished second, which is a commendable achievement. The quality of hockey I have seen throughout this competition shows that the game has improved tremendously in Nigeria,” he said.
Emefile also acknowledged the support of the inspector-general of police, noting that his passion for sports enabled the police to field three teams at the championship.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, National Sports Commission Chairman, Shehu Dikko congratulated the champions and commended the Nigeria Hockey Federation for organising what he described as a world-class domestic competition.
According to Dikko, the tournament aligns with the commission’s vision of revitalising Nigerian sports by strengthening local competitions before targeting international success.
“We have to build our domestic sports first before thinking about international competitions. We have seen the quality of talent here, and experts from the African Hockey Federation and Germany have confirmed that Nigeria possesses players capable of competing at the highest level if given the right support,” Dikko said.
He disclosed that the federal government plans to renovate the national hockey pitch, which has been in use since 2003, with a modern playing surface that meets international standards.
Dikko revealed that discussions with the African Hockey Federation have already begun, adding that Nigeria could host a major continental tournament once the facility is upgraded.
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He stressed that investment in sports infrastructure would not only improve athletes’ performances but also stimulate economic activities and promote national unity.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development, Senator Abdul Ningi, praised the Nigeria Hockey Federation for sustaining the Super League despite financial challenges, describing the championship as a shining example of what other sports federations can achieve with determination.
Sen. Ningi commended the presence of the National Sports Commission chairman at the event, noting that such high-level support sends a positive message about the future of hockey in Nigeria.
He, however, urged the federal government to diversify sports funding beyond football, arguing that more than 20 national sports federations deserve greater attention and investment.
