Nigeria’s men’s hockey team secured the bronze medal at the 2025 Hockey Africa Cup of Nations with a 3–1 victory over Kenya in the third-place playoff at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt.
The win capped a strong showing for Nigeria in the 12th edition of the continental championship, organised by the African Hockey Federation alongside the women’s tournament.
Nigeria opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Solomon Dennis converted a field goal, giving Kenya an early deficit. The East Africans responded eight minutes later through Usagi Sutcliffe to level the match at 1–1.
After halftime, Nigeria regained control. Samaila James, one of the standout performers, scored from a penalty corner in the 44th minute to restore the lead and added another goal five minutes later to seal a 3–1 victory, securing the bronze medal.
The result offered redemption for Nigeria after their women’s team narrowly lost 1–0 to Kenya in their third-place playoff, with Bwire Grace’s goal deciding the match.
South Africa continued their dominance in the men’s competition, defeating hosts Egypt 5–1 in the final to claim their eighth African title and qualify for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. Their women’s team also triumphed, beating Ghana 4–0 for a ninth continental title.
For Nigeria, the men’s bronze reflects growing tactical discipline, resilience, and scoring efficiency. Samaila James finished as the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals, highlighting Nigeria’s offensive strength and rising competitiveness on the African stage.
The tournament concluded with South Africa asserting continental supremacy, while Nigeria’s podium finish reaffirmed their status as one of Africa’s emerging hockey forces, marking consecutive top-three finishes in the Africa Cup of Nations.