2026/2027 Netball World Cup Qualifiers: Green Hawks Begin Revival Mission in Nairobi

Posted : 13 September 2026

Nigeria’s Green Hawks will begin their quest for a place at the 2027 Netball World Cup when they confront continental powerhouse Uganda in their opening match of the African qualifiers in Nairobi, Kenya.

The qualifiers, scheduled for September 19 to 26, will bring together 10 of Africa’s leading netball nations, with Nigeria drawn in the demanding Pool B alongside Uganda, Zambia, Malawi and hosts Kenya.

For the Green Hawks, however, the competition represents more than a battle for one of Africa’s World Cup berths. It is also an opportunity to re-establish Nigeria as a force in international netball after a prolonged absence from the global scene.

The Nigerian team has been preparing in London and is expected to travel to Nairobi on Wednesday, with head coach Akinrinlola Alison Rosemarie putting together a squad that combines emerging talents with players expected to provide experience and stability.

At just 21, Jade Popoola Ayomide Alero has been handed the captaincy, giving the rebuilding project a youthful face as the Green Hawks prepare for one of their biggest international challenges in recent years.

Popoola, who can operate as a defender, will lead a 12-player squad that includes goalkeepers and defenders Aaliya Atirene Ogheneochukome, Charlotte Tama Seaton, Kelechi Victoria Ambos Ezike and Dumebi Stephanie Onichabor.

The squad also features Oyindamola Olunloyo and Aramide Livia Ajayi in the centre and wing attack positions, while Indya Jade Akinrinlola, Daniella A. Atirene and Hannah Adanna Anyanwu provide options in attack.

Amarachi Oluseyi Inaya Adegboyega completes the playing squad.

The task facing Nigeria will be substantial. Uganda are among Africa’s established netball powers, while Zambia and Malawi possess considerable continental experience. The hosts, Kenya, will also have the advantage of familiar surroundings and home support.

Despite being seeded at the bottom of Pool B, the Green Hawks are not approaching the tournament merely to make up the numbers.

President of the Nigeria Netball Federation, Dr Oluwatoyin Aluko, believes the qualifiers provide the right platform for the sport’s revival and has challenged the players to pursue qualification.

“There is no better time to relaunch Nigerian netball internationally than during what we describe as the reform era of the National Sports Commission,” Aluko said.

She urged the team to remain focused throughout the competition, stressing that securing a World Cup ticket would represent a major milestone in the federation’s rebuilding efforts.

Aluko also pointed to the Federal Government’s recognition of sporting excellence, particularly the reward given to D’Tigress following their triumph at the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket, as an incentive for Nigerian athletes and federations to pursue success internationally.

She commended the National Sports Commission for its support and for creating an enabling environment for the revival and development of netball.

Nigeria’s campaign will be overseen by Alison Rosemarie Akinrinlola as head coach, with Olawunmi Olunrebi serving as assistant coach and Lola Oluyinka Ademuwagun as team manager.

Pool A comprises South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Tanzania, setting up a competitive qualification race across both groups.

For the Green Hawks, the immediate challenge is Uganda, but the bigger objective extends beyond the opening fixture. Every match in Nairobi will be an opportunity to restore confidence, gain international exposure and rebuild Nigeria’s standing in African netball.

With a World Cup place at stake, Nigeria’s return to the continental stage could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Green Hawks and a significant step towards restoring the country’s presence on the global netball map.

2026/2027 Netball World Cup Qualifiers: Green Hawks Begin Revival Mission in Nairobi

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