The Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF) says it has concluded major preparations for the 2026 Nigeria Super Hockey League (NSHL), with officials promising an exciting and well-organised championship when the tournament begins later this month in Abuja.
The Secretary-General of the federation, Salisu Mamman, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, expressing confidence that all arrangements were on course for the country’s premier domestic hockey competition.
The league is scheduled to hold from June 25 to July 5 at the AstroTurf of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, and is expected to attract more than 25 male and female teams from across the country.
According to Mamman, athletes have already started arriving at camp, with training sessions in full swing as teams intensify preparations for the championship.
“We are in high spirits. We have planned and put things on the ground and, as of now, our athletes have started arriving in camp. They are training, and we have been sorting out logistics. Most of the items required for the competition are already on ground,” he said.
He added that the federation had put in place adequate measures to ensure a smooth and incident-free tournament by collaborating with key departments responsible for medical services, safety and security.
“We have already written to the medical department seeking their support and attention. The same applies to safety and security. Those arrangements are already in place, and we are working closely with them,” he said.
Beyond the logistics, the NHF secretary-general assured hockey enthusiasts that the 2026 edition would deliver high-quality action, with participating teams expected to display a variety of playing styles, technical skills and tactical discipline.
“You will see entirely different performances from different teams with different skills and techniques. I promise hockey lovers an exciting competition,” Mamman said.
He also acknowledged the support of the National Sports Commission (NSC), describing its contribution as vital to the successful organisation of the league.
Mamman further revealed that the host side, FCT Hockey Club, is expected to move fully into camp by next week as final preparations gather momentum.
The Nigeria Super Hockey League remains the country’s flagship hockey competition and has continued to serve as a platform for discovering and nurturing top talents.
In the 2025 edition, Kaduna-based Kada Stars clinched the men’s title, while Kada Queens emerged champions in the women’s category, setting the stage for another fiercely contested battle for honours in Abuja.
