President of the Hockey Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Engr. Simon Nkom, has said that the country’s male and female teams are sure of podium finish at the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations Championship in Egypt.
He stayed this on Saturday soon after the two teams had their warm-up matches at the Astro turf pitch at the Package B of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
Elated by the financial support from the NSC; Engr Nkom said, “Our players are ready to storm Egypt tomorrow for the continental championship.
They’ll have some time to feel the facilities in the venue they are going to play their matches in the championship,” Engr Simon Nkom told the reporters.
The continental championship is scheduled to hold from 11 October to 18 October, 2025 in Egypt.
He said Nigeria noted for arriving late to championships, will now get to the host country well ahead of the tournament. “Nigerian teams have been noted for late coming, but now, we’ve decided to leave on time so that the players can acclimatise with the weather in Egypt and also play some warm-up matches. The players leaving ahead of the tournament is as a result of the good gesture of the National Sports Commission.”
Nkom is confident that the national teams will make the country proud through their performances to be at the podium.
According to him, the teams have prepared well enough and have played a good number of friendly matches. “In sports, whether hockey, handball, or basketball, fitness is everything. That’s why we began camping weeks ago to toughen the players for the demands of this championship.
“This is not a local event; it’s the African Cup of Nations, the highest level on the continent. We’ve done the work, the players are ready, and we’re confident of a podium finish,” he assured.
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