Police Machine vows strong response after first defeat in 2026 NHSL

Posted : 03 July 2026

Police Machine Men's Hockey Club have expressed confidence in returning to winning ways after suffering their first defeat at the ongoing 2026 Nigeria Hockey Super League (NHSL) in Abuja.

The team, which had enjoyed an impressive start to the competition, opened with a resounding 9–1 victory over I-GP Flickers Hockey Club before playing out a goalless draw against Plateau Tigers.

They followed up with a 3–2 win over Yobe Desert Rollers and a 2–0 triumph over South West, before their unbeaten run came to an end with a 5–1 loss to defending champions Kada Stars.

Speaking after the defeat at the National Hockey Pitch of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Police Machine captain Samson Asumah urged his teammates to remain united and focused ahead of their remaining fixtures.

According to him, the setback should serve as motivation for the team to respond positively in subsequent matches.

"We are well organised as a team, and we remain so. In sports, when two strong sides meet, one must give way," Asumah said.

"We thank God for the matches so far. It was a good game, but not the result we wanted."

Asumah admitted that conceding two early goals in the opening quarter made the contest difficult, despite his side's determination to fight back.

"We tried everything possible, but it didn't work out. However, I charge my team to stay focused.

"We have the experience and skill, and we will come back stronger in the next match," he added.

On the other side, Kada Stars Team Manager Abubakar Ndana praised his players for maintaining composure after conceding, saying their experience helped them preserve their unbeaten record.

"The players were not happy conceding a goal, but I told them that it is part of the game. They have the experience and are still maintaining an unbeaten run," Ndana said.

Elsewhere in the men's competition, I-GP Flickers and Adamawa State settled for a 2–2 draw, South West and Stallions played out a 1–1 draw, while Niger Flickers defeated Yobe Desert Rollers 5–0.

In the women's category, Kada Queens defeated Delta Queens 3–0, Edo Queens and Yobe Desert Queens shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw, while South West recorded a 3–1 victory over I-GP Babes.

Police Machine will face Stallions Hockey Club on Thursday at 4 p.m., while unbeaten Kada Stars take on Adamawa State at 2 p.m.

Nine teams including Kada Stars, Plateau Tigers, Police Machine, Niger Flickers, Stallions, Adamawa State, Yobe Desert Rollers, I-GP Flickers, and South West are competing in the men's event of the 2026 Nigeria Hockey Super League, which began on June 26 and will conclude on July 5 in Abuja.

The team's upcoming fixture presents an immediate opportunity to correct tactical errors and reclaim momentum in the standings. As the tournament reaches its final stages, maintaining discipline on the pitch will be vital for unlocking continental qualifications. The collective resolve within the squad suggests they are highly prepared to challenge for a podium finish.

Police Machine vows strong response after first defeat in 2026 NHSL

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