The Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello has congratulated Africa’s third best Hockey Club, Niger Flickers Hockey Club for its exploits at the just concluded African Cup of Club Championship held in Lusaka, Zambia.

Governor Bello’s congratulatory message was contained in a press release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Jibrin Baba Ndace.

He said that the feat achieved by the club was worthy of recognition as the Flickers has made the state and country proud by proving its worth among other top rated African hockey clubs that participated in the tournament.

The Governor said that the state government was happy with their achievement even though the team did not win the coveted trophy, adding that the team would build up on the progress so as to surpass it in the subsequent championships.

He commended the club for giving out their best and coming back to the country with a medal which has shown that government support did not go in vain.

The Governor added that the government would continue to give support to sports sector as youth empowerment was part of his administration’s policy.

He applauded the technical crew, players and officials of the club for their achievement and success recorded.

Before clinching the bronze medal, Niger Flickers defeated Zambian male hockey team 10-2 before losing to Eastern Company Cairo, Egypt 4-2.

The team reached the semi-final and lost to Shakiya Hockey Club, Egypt 7-3, and in the 3rd place, Flickers defeated their counter part from Ghana, Trustee Hockey Club 3-2 in a keenly contested battle.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths Empowerment and Sports Development, Ramatu T. Suleiman, visited the team and delivered the governor’s address which served as a morale booster to the team.