The hockey event at the 27th Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) concluded on Wednesday, November 13, 2025, with a final fixture between Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) and Bayero University Kano (BUK). The match was held at Baptist High School, University of Jos, Naraguta Campus.
Medal Table
Male Category
- Gold: Tai Solarin University of Education
- Silver: Ahmadu Bello University
- Bronze: University of Maiduguri
Female Category
- Gold: University of Benin
- Silver: University of Jos
- Bronze: University of Maiduguri
After the final match, hockey officials demonstrated a proposed new format intended for adoption at the next NUGA Games. The demonstration focused on cost reduction and increased participation across universities.
Speaking during the session, the Director of Hockey, Professor Rasheed Ojutikun, said the new model was introduced in response to the declining number of universities participating in hockey due to high equipment costs.
“We’re happy to have you here for the purpose of this demonstration,” he said. “The essence of introducing this format is because we discovered that universities are running away from the sport. Just a hockey stick costs at least ₦135,000. A goalkeeper’s kit is about ₦2.7 million to ₦2.8 million. Which university would want to invest that much for just one gold medal?”
He explained that the proposed format would reduce the number of players from eleven to five, lowering the financial burden on institutions and making room for an additional medal event.
“We want to see the possibility of reducing these costs,” he added. “I’m happy that the NUGA Executive and Council have accepted this as a demonstration. I thank all the technical officials who have worked with us over the past ten days.”
The Acting President of NUGA, Dr. Michael Ajibua, commended the officials for their dedication to sustaining hockey within the games.
“Hockey is one of the oldest sports in NUGA,” he noted. “You are here not because of the money attached to officiating, but because you want the game to continue. We don’t want it to die. We are ready to work with you and support the growth of the game.”
He affirmed NUGA’s commitment to collaborating with Professor Ojutikun ahead of the next edition of the Games.
Also present were the NUGA Treasurer Dr. Diepreye Ere, and Jibrin Mamman Kolo, a former international hockey player and Africa’s only certified umpire, as well as members of the coordination committee and other officials.
The demonstration marked an important step toward reforms aimed at preserving and revitalizing hockey participation across Nigerian universities.
