The Nigeria Netball Federation has expressed optimism that the country’s senior women’s team, the Green Hawks, can secure qualification for the 2027 Netball World Cup at the forthcoming African qualifiers in Nairobi, Kenya.
The qualifying tournament is scheduled to hold from September 19th – 26th, 2026, with Nigeria drawn in Pool B alongside continental powerhouses Uganda, Zambia, Malawi and hosts Kenya.
The Green Hawks have been camping in London as part of their preparations for the competition and are expected to depart for Nairobi on Wednesday ahead of their opening fixture against Uganda on Sunday, September 20.
The tournament represents a significant opportunity for Nigeria to return to the international netball stage after a prolonged absence from global competition.
Head Coach Akinrinlola Alison Rosemarie has named Jade Popoola Ayomide Alero as captain of the 12-player squad selected for the qualifiers.
The team features a blend of youth and experience, with players carefully selected to compete for one of Africa’s available tickets to the 2027 Netball World Cup.
Speaking ahead of the competition, President of the Nigeria Netball Federation, Oluwatoyin Aluko, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to qualify for the global tournament.
Aluko said there was no better time to relaunch Nigerian netball internationally than during what she described as the reform era of the National Sports Commission.
She urged the Green Hawks to remain focused, disciplined and determined to secure a World Cup ticket, stressing that qualification would represent a major milestone in the rebuilding and revival of netball in Nigeria.
The federation president also cited the Federal Government’s recognition and reward for sporting excellence, particularly the honour given to Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following their outstanding performance at the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket.
According to her, such recognition should motivate athletes and sports federations to pursue excellence on the international stage.
Aluko further commended the National Sports Commission for its support and for creating an enabling environment for the development and revival of netball in the country.
Nigeria, which is seeded at the bottom of Pool B, faces a difficult challenge against Uganda in its opening match. The other teams in the group—Zambia, Malawi and hosts Kenya—also possess considerable experience in continental netball.
Kenya will additionally enjoy the advantage of home support throughout the tournament. Pool A comprises South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Tanzania.
Despite the tough opposition, the Green Hawks are expected to approach the qualifiers with confidence and determination as they seek to secure one of Africa’s places at the 2027 Netball World Cup.
For the Nigeria Netball Federation, the objective is clear: qualify for the World Cup and usher in 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 (Captain) — 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
Head Coach: Akinrinlola Alison Rosemarie
Assistant Coach: Olunrebi Olawunmi
Team Manager: Oluyinka Lola Ademuwagun
