Kaduna Hockey Teams Target Successful Title Defence at National Championship in Abuja

Kaduna Hockey Teams Target Successful Title Defence at National Championship in Abuja

...Commend Uba Sani for Support, Adequate Funding 

Defending champions Kaduna State hockey teams, Kada Stars and Kada Queens, have expressed confidence ahead of the 2026 National Hockey Championship, vowing to retain their titles when the competition begins in Abuja on Friday.

The championship, scheduled to run from June 26 to July 4, is expected to attract some of Nigeria's finest hockey talents, with 12 teams competing in the men's category and eight teams battling for honours in the women's event.

Kada Stars and Kada Queens head into the tournament as reigning national champions and among the favourites to emerge victorious once again, having established themselves as dominant forces in Nigerian hockey over the years.

Team officials and players said preparations for the championship had been completed, adding that both teams were determined to defend the titles they won at the previous edition of the competition.

Several players who spoke ahead of the tournament commended Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for his administration's support for sports development, particularly hockey, noting that increased funding and encouragement from the government had contributed significantly to their achievements on the national stage.

According to the players, the Kaduna State Government was recently honoured with the title of Grand Patron in recognition of its commitment to the growth and development of hockey as well as its consistent support for the state's teams.

Sports stakeholders said Governor Sani's administration has prioritised sports development as part of its broader youth empowerment agenda, with investments in sporting infrastructure, talent development, grassroots sports programmes and athlete welfare.

The players also acknowledged the contributions of Kaduna State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Sadiq Mamman Lagos, describing him as a committed supporter whose interventions and encouragement have helped sustain the teams' championship-winning culture.

"The teams are highly motivated and in excellent condition. We have prepared very well, and the support from the state government has boosted our morale. We are optimistic about retaining our titles," one of the players said.

During a visit to the teams' training camp, former federal lawmaker and social commentator, Shehu Sani, urged the players to bring home more trophies and assured them that outstanding performances would attract recognition and rewards from the state government.

He charged the athletes to remain disciplined, focused and determined throughout the competition, describing them as worthy ambassadors of Kaduna State.

Sports analysts have consistently ranked Kaduna among Nigeria's leading hockey centres, citing its long history of producing talented players and maintaining a strong presence in national competitions.

With expectations high among supporters and sports enthusiasts, Kada Stars and Kada Queens will be aiming to reinforce Kaduna State's reputation as a powerhouse of Nigerian hockey when hostilities commence in Abuja this week.

The championship is expected to provide a platform for emerging talents to showcase their abilities while further strengthening the development of hockey across the country.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

REJOINDER TO THE PRESS STATEMENT BY AREWA YOUTH ASSEMBLY FOR GOOD LEADERSHIP (AYAGL) _On Matters Relating to the Military Pensions Board (MPB)

Image
REJOINDER TO THE PRESS STATEMENT BY AREWA YOUTH ASSEMBLY FOR GOOD LEADERSHIP (AYAGL)   _On Matters Relating to the Military Pensions Board (MPB)_ *1. Background & Trigger*   Concerned stakeholders, particularly veterans of the Nigerian Armed Forces, have noted the recent press statement by AYAGL on the leadership of the Military Pensions Board. Though AYAGL withdrew its earlier position, its new statement raises fundamental questions of credibility, accountability, and institutional integrity. *2. Questions on AYAGL’s Mandate & Competence*   a. What informed AYAGL’s fact-finding mission to the MPB?   b. Who authorized or mandated AYAGL to engage the MPB?   c. What institutional role qualifies AYAGL to inquire into a specialized military pension body?   d. What professional competence does AYAGL possess in military pension administration?   *Position:*  The MPB is a specialized institution for ...
Read more

2027 Senate : A Clarion Call for Youth Representation Under the Umbrella of FCT Council

Image
2027 Senate : A Clarion Call for Youth Representation Under the Umbrella of FCT Council Young progressive leaders across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have thrown their weight behind Hon. Abubakar Umar Abdullahi, describing him as a dynamic, people-centered, and result-driven leader with the capacity to represent the interests of the people at the Senate. They noted that with over 64 percent of registered voters being young people, the demand for inclusive and youth-focused representation has never been more urgent. According to the group, Hon. Abdullahi,the current Abaji Chair,embodies the energy, vision, and commitment needed to drive meaningful change and amplify the voices of young Nigerians within the National Assembly. The youth leaders therefore called on him to heed the growing demand and step forward to contest for the FCT Senate seat, stressing that his candidacy would mark a turning point in the push for generational inclusion in governance. . “This is our ...
Read more

Shehu Sani Condoles El-Rufai Over Mother’s Death

Image
Shehu Sani Condoles El-Rufai Over Mother’s Death Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has condoled with former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, over the death of his mother. In a condolence message issued on Saturday, Sani described the passing as a profound loss not only to the El-Rufai family but also to Kaduna State and the nation at large. He paid glowing tribute to the deceased, commending her life of service, community leadership, and the enduring legacy of her motherly care and guidance. “Her death is a great loss to Kaduna State and the nation at large. We appreciate her life, community leadership, and motherly love,” he said. Sani also prayed for the repose of her soul, asking Allah to forgive her shortcomings and grant her Aljannatul Firdaus. He further prayed for strength and comfort for El-Rufai and his family in this moment of grief. “May Allah console the heart of our former Governor and his family members,” he added. Reflecting on a personal co...
Read more