Nigeria’s men’s hockey team wrapped up their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in style, claiming the bronze medal after a solid 3–1 victory over Kenya in the third-place playoff at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt.
The triumph was a fitting conclusion for the spirited Nigerian side, who displayed remarkable grit and attacking flair throughout the two-week continental showpiece.
From the opening whistle, the Nigerians looked sharper and more determined. Their early pressure paid off in the 16th minute when Solomon Dennis opened the scoring with a composed finish, sending the West Africans ahead. But Kenya refused to back down, equalising eight minutes later through Usagi Sutcliffe, whose precise strike kept the contest finely balanced at 1–1 going into halftime.
The second half, however, belonged entirely to Nigeria. The team’s star forward, Samaila James, turned the tide with a lethal display from penalty corners. He fired home in the 44th minute to restore Nigeria’s advantage, then doubled the lead just five minutes later with another unstoppable effort, securing a well-earned 3–1 win.
James’ brace not only sealed the bronze medal but also confirmed his place as the tournament’s top scorer, finishing with an impressive eight goals—a clear sign of Nigeria’s growing attacking prowess.
While the men celebrated their success, the women’s side narrowly missed a podium finish after a tough 1–0 loss to Kenya, decided by a 45th-minute strike from Bwire Grace.
In the men’s final, South Africa once again proved untouchable, outclassing hosts Egypt 5–1 to capture their eighth continental crown and book a ticket to the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands. Their women’s team mirrored that dominance, defeating Ghana 4–0 to lift their ninth African title.
For Nigeria, the bronze medal marks another milestone in their steady rise in African hockey. The team’s tactical improvement, mental toughness, and clinical finishing throughout the tournament highlight their evolution into one of the continent’s most promising hockey nations—earning back-to-back podium finishes and a growing reputation as a force to watch.
