Nigeria Hockey AFCON bronze secured after 3–1 win over Kenya, with Samaila James netting twice to cap a strong finish in Ismailia, Egypt

Nigeria Hockey AFCON bronze medal was confirmed in emphatic style as the men’s national team defeated Kenya 3–1 in the third-place playoff of the 2025 Hockey Africa Cup of Nations in Ismailia, Egypt.

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The win marked a second consecutive podium finish for Nigeria at the continental showpiece and highlighted the team’s continued rise in African hockey.

The match began with intent from Nigeria, who opened the scoring in the 16th minute through Solomon Dennis. The forward’s field goal gave the Kenyans an early warning of what was to come.

Kenya responded swiftly, drawing level in the 24th minute via Usagi Sutcliffe, but Nigeria’s superior set-piece execution proved decisive.

After the break, Samaila James, Nigeria’s tournament standout, restored the lead with a thunderous penalty corner conversion in the 44th minute.

He struck again just five minutes later, this time from another penalty corner, making it 3–1 and placing the result beyond doubt.

James’s brace not only secured the bronze for Nigeria but also crowned him top scorer of the tournament with eight goals, underscoring his impact on the team’s attacking strength.

The bronze win offered a measure of redemption for Nigeria after the women’s team lost 1–0 to Kenya in their own third-place playoff earlier in the tournament.

Bwire Grace’s 45th-minute strike had been enough to deny Nigeria a double podium finish.

In the men’s final, South Africa overwhelmed hosts Egypt 5–1 to win their eighth continental title and qualify for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.

It was the seventh consecutive final between the two sides, and South Africa again proved unstoppable, displaying ruthless efficiency in attack.

The South African women’s team also confirmed their dominance, comfortably defeating Ghana 4–0 to secure their ninth title and World Cup qualification.

For Nigeria, the men’s bronze marked significant progress. The team demonstrated tactical maturity, sharp finishing, and resilience throughout the tournament.

Their back-to-back podium finishes have strengthened their status as one of Africa’s emerging hockey powers.

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With Samaila James’s golden stick, Nigeria’s campaign in Ismailia closed on a high, offering optimism ahead of future African and international competitions.