The chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to revitalising hockey through infrastructure, grassroots development, and domestic competitions.

At the closing ceremony of the 2026 Nigeria Hockey Super League on Saturday in Abuja, Dikko commended the Nigeria Hockey Federation for successfully organising the tournament and repositioning the sport.

“This tournament perfectly aligns with the vision of the National Sports Commission under the Renewed Hope Initiative for a vibrant sports economy,” he said.

He said discussions with African Hockey Federation President Seif El Dine Ahmed and German experts confirmed Nigeria’s immense talent capable of competing globally with the right facilities.

Dikko said President Bola Tinubu approved the nationwide rehabilitation of sports infrastructure, with the national hockey pitch to be upgraded to international standards.

“We have already identified world-class turf in consultation with the African Hockey Federation. Once upgraded, Nigeria can host major African hockey tournaments.

“Sports bring Nigerians together irrespective of tribe, religion or background, serving as a national asset and driver of economic growth through jobs and tourism,” he said.

Also speaking, Abdul Ningi, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development, called for greater investment across all sporting federations, not just football.

“Over 20 sporting federations, yet only a few consistently receive attention. Sports development must be diversified so every federation grows and contributes to national development,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Osifo Emefile, expressed satisfaction with the Nigeria Police team’s performance at the championship.

Simeon Nkom, president of NHF, described the Super League as the most successful championship, citing the quality of the competition and the dignitaries in attendance.

“I can confidently say this is the best championship we have organised.

“The presence of NSC chairman, African Hockey Federation president, sponsors, partners, and media shows recognition hockey deserves,” he said.

He said the national hockey pitch built for the 2003 All Africa Games had reached the end of its lifespan and no longer met international standards.

“We are encouraged by the federal government’s commitment through NSC to rehabilitate the facility. Once the new turf is installed, Nigeria can host major African tournaments again, boosting development,” he said.

Kaduna-based Kada Stars defeated Plateau Tigers 3-2 in the men’s final, retaining the title.

The Kada Queens beat Plateau Queens 2-0 in the women’s to also retain their title.

(NAN)

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC is facing mounting pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, over preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, made the allegation during an interview with The Sun on Saturday.

According to Abdullahi, INEC is caught between preserving its independence and responding to political pressure from the ruling party.

“INEC is conflicted. There is tension between its desire to maintain its independence and the pressure it is facing from the ruling party. Sometimes it yields to that pressure, while at other times it tries to resist and uphold its independence,” he said.

He added that the ADC sympathises with the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, over what he described as the pressure being mounted on him, but stressed that the issue goes beyond the individual.

“We have sympathy for the INEC chairman because we understand the kind of pressure he is under. But this is not about him alone; it is about the institution of INEC.

“Politicians are not the only ones on trial. ADC is not the only party on trial, and neither is any other political party. INEC is also on trial, just as the judiciary is.

“INEC has an opportunity to demonstrate that its loyalty lies with the Nigerian Constitution and the Nigerian people. Every government eventually leaves office and is judged by history.

“History will remember Prof. Amupitan. He must decide the role he wants to play in Nigeria’s democratic history—whether he wants to be remembered with honour or with ignominy. The opportunity to make that choice is now,” Abdullahi stated.