The Nigeria Netball Federation (NNF) proudly marks a monumental achievement in our sporting history as the Green Hawks officially debuted at the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Africa Qualifier in Nairobi. Stepping onto the court at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, our national squad not only contested their inaugural Pool 2 match but also cemented Nigeria’s status as the very first West African nation to compete at the prestigious Africa Netball Cup.
While the opening fixture concluded 61-40 in favor of host nation Kenya, this initial outing represents a definitive victory for Nigerian sports administration and our athletes’ developmental trajectory. Fielding a competitive roster against established continental powers a mere fraction of the time into our national program’s existence, the Green Hawks showcased a level of tenacity that instantly commanded the respect of the global netball community.
Our athletes’ foundational performance drew immediate commendation from high-ranking representatives across both World Netball and Africa Netball. The continental governing body formally validated our arrival on this stage, an acknowledgment underscored when the President of Africa Netball personally congratulated the squad and joined the Nigerian delegation to commemorate the historic milestone on the court.
This debut further validates the strategic alignment between the NNF, operating under the leadership of President Dr. Esther Oluwatoyin Aluko, and the National Sports Commission (NSC). The NSC’s enabling infrastructure has been the absolute catalyst for our sport’s revival. This institutional partnership was highlighted by the immediate response from NSC Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade following the final whistle. Reaffirming the federal government’s steadfast backing, Hon. Olopade shared a direct message with Dr. Aluko:
“We are all proud of you and the team”
Operating within the demanding framework of this September 19–26 tournament, the Green Hawks are already recalibrating for the rigorous schedule ahead. The team returns to action today, Sunday, September 20, to face Uganda at 4:00 PM (WAT), followed by consecutive high-stakes fixtures against Malawi on Monday and Zambia on Tuesday.
The match against Kenya was not a conclusion, but the cornerstone of our international netball renaissance. The NNF remains fully committed to equipping the Green Hawks as they adapt, elevate their tactical execution, and assert Nigeria’s rightful place as an evolving powerhouse on the African stage.
While the opening fixture concluded 61-40 in favor of host nation Kenya, this initial outing represents a definitive victory for Nigerian sports administration and our athletes’ developmental trajectory. Fielding a competitive roster against established continental powers a mere fraction of the time into our national program’s existence, the Green Hawks showcased a level of tenacity that instantly commanded the respect of the global netball community.
Our athletes’ foundational performance drew immediate commendation from high-ranking representatives across both World Netball and Africa Netball. The continental governing body formally validated our arrival on this stage, an acknowledgment underscored when the President of Africa Netball personally congratulated the squad and joined the Nigerian delegation to commemorate the historic milestone on the court.
This debut further validates the strategic alignment between the NNF, operating under the leadership of President Dr. Esther Oluwatoyin Aluko, and the National Sports Commission (NSC). The NSC’s enabling infrastructure has been the absolute catalyst for our sport’s revival. This institutional partnership was highlighted by the immediate response from NSC Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade following the final whistle. Reaffirming the federal government’s steadfast backing, Hon. Olopade shared a direct message with Dr. Aluko:
“We are all proud of you and the team”
Operating within the demanding framework of this September 19–26 tournament, the Green Hawks are already recalibrating for the rigorous schedule ahead. The team returns to action today, Sunday, September 20, to face Uganda at 4:00 PM (WAT), followed by consecutive high-stakes fixtures against Malawi on Monday and Zambia on Tuesday.
The match against Kenya was not a conclusion, but the cornerstone of our international netball renaissance. The NNF remains fully committed to equipping the Green Hawks as they adapt, elevate their tactical execution, and assert Nigeria’s rightful place as an evolving powerhouse on the African stage.