NAIROBI— History will be made today at the Kasarani International Stadium Indoor Arena as the Nigerian national netball team prepares to step onto the court for its first-ever appearance at an international tournament.
The historic debut comes during the Africa Cup Tournament, a high-stakes continental competition that double-functions as the primary qualifying series for the next Netball World Cup scheduled to take place in Australia in the summer of 2027.
Prior to this landmark event, Nigeria had never fielded an official national team in netball, making this aggressive push onto the international stage a bold leap forward for the West African nation.
The foundation for this historic moment was laid earlier this year with the formal establishment of the Nigeria Netball Federation in February, followed swiftly by the selection and composition of the national team in June.
Taking up the mantle as pioneers, the newly assembled national squad—affectionately dubbed the Green Hawks—arrived in Nairobi yesterday ahead of their scheduled fixtures.
The Green Hawks are slated to face tournament hosts, Kenya, in a thrilling opening match immediately following the tournament’s official opening ceremony today.
This rapid development of netball in Nigeria has been spearheaded by the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, who actively championed the sport’s potential across the country.
Olopade’s aggressive development drive received decisive backing from Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, who worked to secure essential funding despite netball not initially being listed as a priority sport.
Gratitude flows through the Nigerian delegation, as team officials and players extended their appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the National Sports Commission for backing the initiative.
Addressing the vision behind the initiative, Olopade explained his passion for creating fresh athletic opportunities, stating that he wanted to give Nigerian girls another viable pathway to progress and succeed in sports.
He noted that African nations are rapidly embracing netball, expressing total confidence that Nigeria possesses the talent, passion, and drive required to compete effectively at the highest levels.
To build a competitive lineup, the Green Hawks assembled a roster primarily composed of UK-based diaspora players, led by former England international and experienced coach Alison Akinrinlola.
Akinrinlola, who also manages a UK netball franchise providing pathways to the English Netball Super League, expressed immense optimism about uncovering Nigerian talent within top-tier British leagues and bringing them together.
She highlighted that the journey extends beyond World Cup qualification, aiming instead to establish a solid structural base that inspires young girls within Nigeria to embrace the sport and build a formidable national presence.
As the Green Hawks prepare to face established continental powers just three months after their June formation, 21-year-old team captain Jade Popoola confirmed the squad is eager to make the country proud on this historic day.
