Nigeria Claim Double Bronze At Inaugural U18 Hockey5s Africa Cup

Nigeria Claim Double Bronze At Inaugural U18 Hockey5s Africa Cup

Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria’s U18 men’s and women’s hockey teams have both won bronze medals at the inaugural U18 Hockey5s Youth Africa Cup in Nairobi, Kenya, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The women’s team secured third place after defeating Ghana 4-3 in the bronze medal match, while the men’s side thrashed Uganda 15-2 to also finish on the podium.

Nigeria’s women impressed throughout the tournament, recording group-stage victories over South Africa, Uganda and Ghana before overcoming Ghana again in the third-place playoff.

The men’s team also enjoyed a strong campaign, drawing 7-7 with South Africa and defeating Ghana and Uganda before completing their campaign with a convincing win over Uganda.

The tournament, held from August 6 to 8, served as Africa’s qualification event for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup, with the top two teams in both the men’s and women’s categories earning qualification tickets.

Despite missing out on World Cup qualification, Nigeria’s double bronze-medal finish provides valuable international experience for the country’s emerging hockey talents.

The National Sports Commission congratulated both teams, their coaches and officials for their performances in Nairobi.