By Ado Salisu
The Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has pledged Nigeria’s full backing for netball, declaring the country is ready to “dominate Africa” and compete globally after watching the Green Hawks secure a convincing 33-12 victory over Pakistan in the UK on Friday.
Olopade was speaking at the Hertfordshire Games Village on 17 July, where he watched the team’s exhibition match staged as part of the Nigeria Diaspora Talents Development Committee multi-sport event.
It was his first live netball match in years, and he left impressed.
“That was an amazing performance,” Olopade told the players afterwards. “I saw a few moves and saw good camaraderie amongst you girls that convinced me that our decision to build a team and to institutionalise netball in Nigeria was a good one.
You are going to be a part of something big. We are ready to dominate Africa and we will provide all the support you need to get there.”
*From Glasgow lessons to Hertfordshire win*
The victory over Pakistan came a week after the Green Hawks’ debut international outing, a loss to Scotland in Glasgow. Officials said the experience in Scotland was vital preparation and was evident in the sharper display against Pakistan.
The team is now using a series of UK fixtures to prepare for the Africa qualifying series for the 2027 Netball World Cup, scheduled for Nairobi in September. Nigeria is fielding a senior national netball team for the first time and is targeting qualifications for the finals in Sydney, Australia, in 2027.
*New coaching setup*
The squad is being led by former England international Alison Akinrinlola, with support from Connie Francis, the ex-coach of Jamaica’s national team. The technical team has been tasked with fast-tracking the programme and embedding professional standards.
Olopade said the Commission was committed to giving netball the same structural support afforded to Nigeria’s traditional team sports.
*Next test: world No 3 Jamaica*
The Green Hawks’ next assignment will be in Durham in north-east England, where they face Jamaica. The Sunshine Girls, ranked third in the world, are also using the match as preparation for the Commonwealth Games which begin this week in Glasgow.
For Nigeria, a game against one of netball’s powerhouses is being framed as a statement of intent.
“We are not just here to participate,” a team official said. “We are here to learn, to compete, and to announce Nigeria on the world netball stage.”
