Hockey: Delta Queens return home with bronze medal

The Delta Queens hockey team of Nigeria, have once again etched their name in the African Hockey history record books by clinching the bronze medal at the just-concluded 25th Women 2023 Africa cup for Club Champions (ACCC) in Malawi.

Supreme News on Tuesday reports that the just-concluded championship drew teams from Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria and Malawi, in the women’s category, which started on Nov. 18 and ended on Sunday, Nov. 26, at the National Hockey Stadium in Blantyre.

Delta Queens coach, Adeoye Jacobs, told newsmen on Tuesday that the Nigerian team returned to the country after representing the country at the Championship.

“The bronze medal adds another layer to our accomplishment,” said the coach, who added that this remarkable achievement marks the second consecutive time the team (Delta Queens) has secured a third-place finish, showcasing their consistency and prowess on the continental stage.

According to Jacobs, the team played six games – won four, drew one and lost one as they competed against formidable clubs drawn from other countries in East Africa.

In their third-place battle, the team defeated home side, Genetrix, 10-0 to finished third.

“ I commended my players for standing against strong oppositions and coming back with the bronze medal. It was a great competition for us.

“We have added to our experience as a team. If not for the head-to-head decision. we ought to have played in the final.

“My girls learnt a lot and that is the benefit of competitions and hopefully we hope to do better by bringing home the trophy next time,” he said.

Adeoye expressed gratitude to the Delta state Government for ensuring that the team participated in the championship.

“The Commission did their best for us and we appreciate them a lot for making sure we travelled to Malawi.

Supreme News reports that, however, controversy marred the ladies’ category as Lakers of Kenya were disqualified for fielding ineligible players.

Lakers were due to take on eventual women’s champions, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Following the disqualification of Lakers, their compatriots, Blazers, were upgraded to meet GRA in the final but it never took place as Lakers protested vehemently.

This forced the organisers to use a ranking table to determine winners which saw GRA claiming the top position after accumulating more points and they were followed by Blazers.

In the men’s category, Sharkia of Egypt beat Kenya’s Western Jaguars to retain the accolade while Kampala of Uganda settled for bronze after beating Genetrix 3-1.

Police Machine of Nigeria did not participate.

The women’s category teams that participated are the Lakers of Kenya, Blazers of Kenya, GRA ladies of Ghana, Delta Queens of Nigeria, Genetrix of Malawi, Scorpions of Malawi, and Capital Braves of Malawi (hosts).