Nigeria Triumph Over Kenya 3–1 To Secure Bronze At 2025 Hockey Africa Cup Of Nations
Nigeria’s men’s hockey team capped off an impressive run at the 2025 Hockey Africa Cup of Nations with a 3–1 victory over Kenya to claim the bronze medal in Ismailia, Egypt.
The bronze medal clash, held at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium, saw Nigeria dominate from start to finish, displaying skill, organization, and clinical finishing.
Solomon Dennis opened the scoring for the West Africans in the 16th minute with a well-taken field goal. Kenya responded in the 24th minute through Usagi Sutcliffe, who equalized to make it 1–1 before the break.
Nigeria returned in the second half with renewed intensity, and forward Samaila James turned the game on its head. He fired home a penalty corner in the 44th minute to restore the lead and struck again five minutes later from another set piece to seal the 3–1 win.
The result earned Nigeria a second consecutive podium finish and provided a morale boost after the women’s team narrowly lost 1–0 to Kenya in their own bronze medal game.
In the men’s final, South Africa extended their continental dominance with a commanding 5–1 victory over hosts Egypt, clinching their eighth title and booking a ticket to the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands. The South African women’s team also lifted the trophy after a 4–0 win over Ghana to secure their ninth crown.
For Nigeria, the bronze medal reflects significant progress and growing competitiveness on the African stage. Samaila James emerged as one of the standout players of the tournament, finishing as top scorer with eight goals — a testament to the team’s attacking power and steady rise in African hockey.
