Nigeria’s men’s hockey team secured a well-deserved bronze medal at the 2025 Hockey Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Kenya 3–1 in the third-place playoff at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt.
The Nigerian side showed determination and composure to finish their campaign on the podium in what was the 12th edition of the continental tournament organized by the African Hockey Federation.
Solomon Dennis gave Nigeria the perfect start in the 16th minute with a superbly executed field goal that left the Kenyan defense flat-footed. Kenya, however, drew level eight minutes later through Usagi Sutcliffe, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to make it 1–1.
After halftime, Nigeria took charge of the match through the brilliance of forward Samaila James. The prolific striker restored Nigeria’s advantage in the 44th minute with a powerful effort from a penalty corner, before sealing the victory five minutes later with another set-piece goal to complete his brace.
The 3–1 win not only earned Nigeria the bronze medal but also highlighted the team’s steady progress and growing presence in African hockey. Their success provided consolation following the women’s team’s narrow 1–0 defeat to Kenya in their own third-place playoff.
Elsewhere, South Africa reaffirmed their dominance in African hockey by demolishing hosts Egypt 5–1 in the men’s final, clinching their eighth continental crown and a spot at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands. Their women’s team also triumphed, defeating Ghana 4–0 to win a record ninth title.
For Nigeria, the tournament marked another milestone. The men’s team displayed improved teamwork, tactical sharpness, and scoring efficiency throughout, with Samaila James finishing as the competition’s top scorer with eight goals — a clear sign of Nigeria’s growing strength in African hockey.
