Aluko Confident Green Hawks Can Secure World Cup Ticket In Nairobi

By Saheed Afolabi

President of the Nigeria Netball Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Aluko is optimistic of the NATO netball team chances of qualifying for the Netball World Cup at the Africa qualifiers in Nairobi, Kenya.

The qualifying tournament will start on Saturday, September 19 with Nigeria grouped in Pool B alongside giants Uganda, Zambia, Malawi and hosts Kenya.

Speaking ahead of the competition, Aluko described the Nairobi qualifiers as a major opportunity to announce Nigeria’s return to the international netball stage after a period away from global competition. She said that there is no better time to relaunch Nigerian netball than during what she called the reform era of the National Sports Commission.

The Green Hawks have been camping in London as part of their final preparations and are scheduled to depart for Nairobi on Wednesday ahead of their opening fixture against Uganda on Sunday, September 20.

Head coach Akinrinola Alison has named 21-year-old Jade Popoola as captain of a 12-player squad carefully selected to blend youth and experience. The team will compete for one of Africa’s available places at the 2027 World Cup.

Aluko urged the Green Hawks to remain focused and give their all in Nairobi, noting that qualification would mark a significant milestone in the rebuilding of Nigerian netball. She pointed to the Federal Government’s recent recognition of the women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, after their outstanding performance at the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket, as motivation for athletes and federations to pursue excellence on the international stage.

The federation president also commended the National Sports Commission for its support and for creating an enabling environment for the development and revival of netball in Nigeria.

Although Nigeria is seeded at the bottom of Pool B and faces a tough opening challenge against Uganda, one of the continent’s leading netball nations, Dr. Aluko said the side will approach the tournament with confidence, determination and a clear objective — securing a World Cup ticket.

Pool A features South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Tanzania. For the Green Hawks, the Nairobi campaign offers not only a chance to qualify but also an opportunity to begin rebuilding Nigeria’s presence and reputation in international netball.

**Full Squad**

1. Atirene Ogheneochukome Aaliya (GK, GS)

2. Olunloyo Oyindamola (C, WA)

3. Seaton Charlotte Tama (GK, GD)

4. Akinrinlola Indya Jade (GA, WA)

5. Popoola Jade Ayomide Alero (GD, WD) – Captain

6. Atirene Odiri Daniella (GS, GK)

7. Ambos Ezike Kelechi Victoria (GK, GD)

8. Onichabor Dumebi Stephanie (GK, GD)

9. Ajayi Aramide Livia (C, WD)

10. Ogbureke Anne Ojiugo (WD, GD)

11. Anyanwu Hannah Adanna (GS, GA)

12. Adegboyega Sankara Amarachi Oluseyi Inaya (C, WA)

Officials

Head Coach: Ms. Akinrinlola Alison Rosemarie

Assistant Coach: Ms. Olunrebi Olawunmi

Team Manager: Ms. Oluyinka Lola Ademuwagun