10th September, 2013
Delta Queens and Imo Heartland Flickers have qualified for the IEI Hockey Super League at the end of the 2013 National League’s Atlantic Conference Play-off, an official disclosed on Sunday.
Mr Samuel Fadele, the conference’s coordinator, told the News Agency of Nigeria NAN on telephone that four teams competed in the league’s female play-off.
“Competition in the conference took place at the astro-turf hockey pitch of the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium at Ijebu-Ode in Ogun, with four teams in the female play-off and two teams in the male category.
“The participating teams in the female category were Imo Heartland Flickers, Delta Queens, Rivers and host Ogun. Delta Force and Rivers featured in the male category.
NAN recalls that both the male and female competitions in the 4th IEI National Hockey League’s Atlantic Conference Play-off were held from 4 through 8 September.
“The highpoint of the competition was on day two of the female play-off, where Delta Queens defeated Imo Heartland Flickers 3 -1.“Delta Queens came from a goal down to score three and were no doubt worthy champions of the conference,’’ Fadele said.
He said Delta Queens topped the Atlantic Conference with seven points, while Imo Heartland Flickers came second with six points.
“Rivers were with three points, while host Ogun had one point, and both of them finished third and fourth respectively,’’ Fadele who is an official of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF) said.
He explained that with only two teams featuring in the male competition, it meant both Delta Force and Rivers have gained automatic qualification to the Super League.
Fadele however said the standard of play at the competition was very high.
“No doubt, the representatives from the conference will do very well in the finals at Port Harcourt.
NAN reports that the two winners in each category of the play-off will be joined by their counterparts from the Savannah Conference.
NAN reports that the Super League will be played at the Adokiye Amesiemaka Stadium’s Hockey Pitch in Port Harcourt, from 15 through 21 September.
The winners and runners-up at the Super League will qualify for the African Club Male and Female Championships which is being proposed for Accra in Ghana later in the year.