Abubakar Ndana, Team Manager of Kada Stars and Kada Queens Hockey Clubs, has attributed the impressive performances of both teams at the ongoing 2026 Nigeria Hockey Super League (NHSL) in Abuja to international exposure, teamwork, and quality coaching.
Ndana stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.
According to him, the recent success of the Kaduna-based clubs is largely due to the valuable experience gained from international competitions.
“What is key about this team is exposure. The players have been exposed to international hockey.
“They recently returned from Ghana, where both the men’s and women’s teams won the maiden West African Hockey Championship. That experience has greatly improved their confidence and performance,” he said.
He added that the youthful composition of the teams, combined with the guidance of experienced players, has created a strong balance.
“We have a young squad with a few new players who have blended well with our experienced players.
“The team has been together for some time, and that understanding has contributed to our success so far in the competition,” he said.
Ndana also commended the technical leadership of the teams under Nigeria’s national hockey coach, Abdullahi Babandana.
“Kada is coached by the national team coach, Abdullahi Babandana. His technical knowledge and experience have been invaluable to the players.
“He has continued to provide the guidance and support needed for the teams to perform at a high level,” he said.
The team manager, however, expressed concern over the shortage of hockey infrastructure across the country, describing it as one of the biggest challenges facing the sport in Nigeria.
“One of the major areas where Nigerian hockey is lagging behind is infrastructure.
“At the moment, only a few states, including Yobe, Kaduna and Delta, have artificial hockey turfs. Many players grow up playing on grass or laterite surfaces, adjusting to artificial turf during major competitions is always difficult.
“We need more artificial turfs across the country. That is the only way the game can continue to develop and produce more quality players,” he said.
Ndana acknowledged that Kada’s rich history in Nigerian hockey has made the club the team every opponent wants to defeat.
“When Kada wins, it is no longer news because people expect us to win. But when we lose, it becomes the headline. Every team playing in this competition wants to beat us because of our achievements,” he added.
He said that Kada Stars are aiming to win a record seventh Nigeria Hockey Super League title, having already claimed six championships, while Kada Queens are chasing their ninth league crown.
NAN reports that Kada Stars have enjoyed an impressive start to the competition, recording three consecutive victories, defeating South West 4–0, then beating I-GP Flickers 8–0 and overcame Yobe Desert Rollers 6–0.
The team will face Niger Flickers in their next fixture on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.
While Kada Queens have also maintained a perfect start to the tournament,defeating South West 6–0 and later beat I-GP Babes 4–0.
The Queens will take on Edo Queens on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. as they continue their quest for a ninth league title.
NAN also reports that seven Women and nine Men’s teams are participating in the 2026 Nigeria Hockey Super League.
The league which commenced on June 26 will end on July 5 at the National Hockey Pitch of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Kada Queens are the reigning women’s champions. while Kada Stars are the defending champions in the men’s category. (NAN)
