Nigeria have named their first-ever national netball squad, the Green Hawks, for the 2026 Africa Netball Cup in Kenya, which serves as an African qualifier for the 2027 Netball World Cup, www.aclsports.com reports.
The competition will run from September 19 to 26 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, with Nigeria aiming to secure one of Africa’s two remaining qualification places for the World Cup in Sydney, Australia.
Nigeria have been drawn in Pool Two alongside hosts Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and Zambia, while Pool One comprises South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Tanzania.
Named in the 12-player squad are Odiri Atirene, Hannah Anyanwu, Ochuko Atirene, Indya Akinrinlola, Sankara Adegboyega, Aramide Ajayi, Oyindamola Olunyolo, Anie Ogberureke, Kelechi Ambros, captain Jade Popoola, Dumebi Onichabor and Charlotte Seaton.
Nigeria will open their campaign against hosts Kenya at 7pm on September 19, followed by matches against Uganda at 6pm on September 20, Malawi at 4pm on September 21 and Zambia at 2pm on September 22.
South Africa and Uganda have already secured their places at the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027. If both teams reach the semi-finals, a separate qualification pathway will be activated, with the qualification semi-finals scheduled for September 25 and the final on September 26.
