Olopade Backs Green Hawks, Vows Nigeria's Rise as African Netball Power



Aina Obasanjo 

The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, has reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to developing netball in Nigeria, with the goal of making the country a dominant force in Africa and a strong contender on the global stage.

Hon. Olopade gave the assurance after watching Nigeria's national netball team, the Green Hawks, defeat Pakistan 33–12 in an exhibition match at the Nigeria Diaspora Talents Development Committee multi-sport event held at the Hertfordshire Games Village in the United Kingdom.

The victory came just days after the Green Hawks made their international debut against Scotland in Glasgow. Although Nigeria lost the encounter, the experience proved valuable as the team delivered a much-improved performance against Pakistan.

Speaking after the match, the NSC Director-General praised the team's display, describing it as encouraging and a clear indication that the country's investment in netball is yielding positive results.

According to him, the players demonstrated excellent teamwork, discipline and determination, adding that the Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission, is committed to providing the support required for the team to achieve continental success.

The exhibition match forms part of the Green Hawks' preparations for the African qualifiers for the 2027 Netball World Cup, scheduled to hold in Nairobi, Kenya, in September. 


Nigeria will be aiming to secure qualification for the global championship, which will take place in Sydney, Australia, in 2027.

The team is coached by former England international Alison Akinrinlola, with technical support from former Jamaica national team coach, Connie Francis.

The Green Hawks are expected to continue their preparations in Durham, North East England, where they will face world number three, Jamaica, in another high-profile friendly. The encounter is expected to provide another important test for the Nigerian side as it continues its preparations for future international competitions.


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