Nigeria Targets World Cup Qualification At U-18 Africa Championship

Nigeria Targets World Cup Qualification At U-18 Africa Championship

By Our Reporter 

The Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF) has confirmed Team Nigeria's participation in the 2026 U-18 Africa Hockey 5s Championship, which will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 6 to 8, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The continental tournament will feature Africa's brightest young hockey talents, providing an opportunity for emerging players to gain international experience while competing against the continent's best in the fast-paced Hockey5s format.

Nigeria will be represented by a delegation of 26 athletes and officials, including 10 male and 10 female players who have undergone extensive preparations ahead of the championship.

Speaking before the team's departure, President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation, Engr. Simon Nkom, expressed confidence in the squad's readiness and ability to deliver impressive performances.

"The U-18 Africa Hockey 5s Championship presents a valuable opportunity for our young athletes to measure themselves against the best players on the continent while gaining vital international exposure," he said.

"We are confident that both our boys' and girls' teams will compete with determination, discipline and resilience, qualities that have consistently defined Nigerian athletes. Their participation also reflects the steady progress we are making in grassroots hockey development across the country."

Beyond the race for continental honours, the tournament serves as the African qualifying event for the FIH Hockey5s World Cup, scheduled to be held in Cairo, Egypt, in December 2026. The winners and runners-up in both the boys' and girls' competitions will secure Africa's qualification slots for the global tournament.

The Federation said Team Nigeria's participation highlights its continued commitment to youth development and its broader strategy of strengthening the country's competitiveness in African and international hockey. The delegation comprises athletes, coaches, technical officials and support personnel united in the pursuit of success in Nairobi.

The NHF also expressed appreciation to the National Sports Commission, parents, sponsors and members of the hockey community for their continued support, which has contributed to the team's participation.

As the young athletes begin their continental campaign, the Federation has called on Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to support Team Nigeria as they seek to make the country proud and earn qualification for the FIH Hockey5s World Cup.