The Nigeria Hockey Federation has invited 60 (men and women) for its pre-Africa Cup of Nations training camp in Abuja.
According to the federation, the teams have already opened camp in preparation for the competition scheduled for Accra, Ghana, from January 17 to 23, 2022.
Nigeria will be hoping to improve its standing globally at the championships following its clubs’ successful outing at the Africa Cup for Club Champions held from November 23 to 30, 2021.
The participating teams for men include Egypt, Ghana (host), Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa (defending champions) and Uganda.
In the women, competition are Ghana (host), Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa (defending champions), Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The men’s team have two professional players (Tosin Fowobaje and Wale Ajibua) who ply their trade in Italy. Other invited athletes are from the National League side Kada Stars & Police Machine, who attended the Africa Cup for Club Champions last month.
The women’s team are predominantly players from Delta Queens and Plateau Queens, who were the country’s flagbearers at the Africa Cup for Club Champions, with few newcomers joining the fold to make up the squad.
The federation revealed that Baba Ndana Abdullahi will be in charge of the coaching crew, with Nuhu Jatau, Okwudili Menyei, Helen Nwakaego Otah, Marcus Izang and Oluyemi Siyanbola (Goaltender Trainer) assisting him.
SOURCE : Guardian
