Plateau Queens emerged victorious in the inaugural National Hockey 5Aside Championship, held in Ibadan, Oyo State, from April 16th to 20th, 2024.
The competition featured six female and nine male teams from across the nation vying for the prestigious trophy.
Plateau state fielded both male and female teams, each comprised of ten players. The Plateau Queens showcased exceptional prowess, securing their path to the finals by triumphing over formidable opponents such as Lagos and Rocket Babes. In a thrilling final match, they defeated Oyo 4-2, clinching the championship title.
On the other hand, the Plateau male team faced challenges, drawing against Ogun and Kano with scores of 1-1 and 3-3, respectively. Despite their efforts, they fell short in the quarter-finals against Lagos, losing 2-4.
Generously sponsored by Mrs. Bamidele Anthonia Garko, the 2nd Vice President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation, the championship offered cash prizes of N700,000, N500,000, and N250,000 for the top three teams. Additionally, the competition aimed to foster the growth and competitiveness of hockey nationwide.
The outstanding performance of Jennifer Dakwat, Plateau Queens female goalkeeper, earned her the Best Goalkeeper award, highlighting the talent and dedication within the team.
Following the competition, the teams returned to Jos on April 21st, 2024, marking the end of an exhilarating tournament.