Nigeria’s Green Hawks will make their competitive debut at the 2026 Africa Netball Cup and Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Qualifiers in Nairobi, Kenya, Bold Sports reports.
The tournament will run from September 19 to 26 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena. Nigeria will face Uganda, Zambia, Malawi and hosts Kenya in Pool B.
The Green Hawks recently made their first international appearance. They now enter their first major competitive assignment. Their opening fixture comes against Uganda on Sunday, September 20.
Green Hawks prepare for Nairobi challenge
Captain Jade Popoola Ayomide Alero will lead Nigeria at the tournament. The 22-year-old has been part of the team’s preparations in London.
More Read
The Green Hawks are still a new national side. Their recent international debut marked an important step for Nigerian netball. The team now faces stronger competition as it targets a place at the 2027 World Cup.
Nigeria must finish among the top two African teams to secure qualification for the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027.
That target gives every Pool B match added importance. The Green Hawks will also face Zambia, Malawi and Kenya during the group stage.
Nigeria eye historic qualification
The Nairobi tournament offers Nigeria a chance to build on its first international appearance. It also provides the players with an opportunity to establish the Green Hawks on the continental stage.
The National Sports Commission has highlighted the team’s emergence as part of efforts to create more opportunities for Nigerian athletes.
The commission also pointed to the development of sporting structures. It said the Green Hawks can help give more Nigerians a chance to represent the country internationally.
Nigeria’s campaign begins with Uganda on September 20. The Green Hawks will then look to navigate a difficult Pool B and remain in contention for one of the two qualification places.
For a team at the start of its international journey, Nairobi represents more than another tournament. It is Nigeria’s first major step towards the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
