Green Hawks begin Nairobi mission with World Cup ticket in sight
Nigeria’s Green Hawks are set to begin their quest for a place at the 2027 Netball World Cup as the African qualifiers get underway in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 19 to 26, 2026.
The Nigeria Netball Federation is optimistic that the continental championship could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Nigerian netball, with the Green Hawks drawn in Pool B alongside Uganda, Zambia, Malawi and hosts Kenya. Nigeria will open its campaign against Uganda on Sunday, September 20.
As part of preparations for the crucial tournament, the Nigerian team has been camping in London and is expected to travel to Nairobi on Wednesday.
The federation believes the qualifiers provide an important platform for Nigeria to re-establish itself on the international netball scene after a prolonged absence.
Head coach Akinrinlola Alison has handed the captaincy to 21 year old Jade Popoola, who leads a squad combining young talents with players possessing international experience.
Nigeria, seeded at the bottom of Pool B, faces a difficult opening assignment against Uganda, one of Africa’s leading netball nations, but the Green Hawks are expected to approach the tournament with confidence and determination.
President of the Nigeria Netball Federation, Dr Oluwatoyin Aluko, described the qualifiers as an opportunity to relaunch Nigerian netball internationally, particularly during what she termed the reform era of the National Sports Commission.
She urged the players to remain focused and fight for a World Cup ticket, stressing that qualification would represent a major milestone in the rebuilding of the sport in Nigeria.
Aluko, a PhD holder in Sports Administration, also pointed to the Federal Government’s recognition of sporting excellence, citing the rewards presented to D’Tigress following their impressive triumph at the 2025 Women’s
AfroBasket. According to her, such gestures should inspire athletes and sports federations to pursue excellence on the international stage.
The federation president further commended the National Sports Commission for its support and for providing what she described as an enabling environment for the revival and development of netball in Nigeria.
The Green Hawks, however, will have to negotiate a challenging Pool B, with Uganda, Zambia, Malawi and Kenya all bringing considerable continental experience to the competition. The hosts will also enjoy the advantage of home support.
Pool A comprises South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Tanzania.
For Nigeria, the Nairobi qualifiers represent more than just a battle for one of Africa’s available World Cup places. They provide the Green Hawks with an opportunity to restore Nigeria’s presence on the international netball stage and lay the foundation for a sustained revival of the sport.
The mission is therefore straightforward secure qualification for the 2027 Netball World Cup and begin a new era for Nigerian netball.
FULL TEAM LIST
Atirene Ogheneochukome Aaliya — GK, GS
Olunloyo Oyindamola — C, WA
Seaton Charlotte Tama — GK, GD
Akinrinlola Indya Jade — GA, WA
Popoola Jade Ayomide Alero — GD, WD
Atirene Odiri Daniella A — GS, GK
Ambos Ezike Kelechi Victoria — GK, GD
Onichabor Dumebi Stephanie — GK, GD
Ajayi Aramide Livia — C, WD
Ogbureke Anne Ojiugo — WD, GD
Anyanwu Hannah Adanna — GS, GA
Adegboyega Sankara Amarachi Oluseyi Inaya — C, WA
OFFICIALS
Ms. Akinrinlola Alison Rosemarie — Head Coach
Ms. Olunrebi Olawunmi — Assistant Coach
Ms. Oluyinka Lola Ademuwagun — Team Manager
Join the Savid News channel on WhatsApp:
