Jade Popoola makes history as the first captain of Nigeria’s national netball team, leading the Green Hawks into their historic international debut.
Nigeria’s national netball programme has reached a historic milestone with the appointment of Jade Popoola as the first captain of the country’s national netball team, the Green Hawks.
Popoola will lead the team as Nigeria prepares to make its first appearance on the international netball stage, marking a significant moment in the development of the sport in the country.
The appointment comes as the Nigeria Netball Federation continues to establish a structured pathway for the development of the game — from grassroots participation to national representation.
A HISTORIC FIRST
The Green Hawks represent a new chapter for Nigerian netball.
For the first time, players developed within Nigeria’s emerging netball system will come together under the national colours to represent the country in international competition.
As captain, Popoola will carry the responsibility of leading the team both on and off the court as the Green Hawks begin their international journey.
Her appointment places her at the centre of a landmark moment for the sport and for the players who will follow.
THE GREEN HAWKS
The national team takes its name from the Green Hawk, reflecting Nigeria’s national identity while giving the country’s first national netball side a distinct identity of its own.
The Green Hawks have been assembled as part of the Federation’s effort to establish a national pathway through which players can progress from development and competitive exposure to international representation.
The team is not only a national representative side; it is also an important part of the Federation’s broader work to build the structures needed for Nigerian netball to grow.
A NEW INTERNATIONAL CHAPTER
Nigeria’s international debut represents an important step in the Federation’s development programme.
The team will enter international competition with the experience of a new programme, while carrying the expectations of a sport seeking to establish a stronger presence across the country.
For the players, it is an opportunity to test themselves against international opposition, gain competitive experience and begin building the foundation for future national teams.
For Nigerian netball, it is the beginning of a journey.
BUILDING THE PATHWAY
The creation of the Green Hawks is part of a wider vision for the Nigeria Netball Federation.
The Federation is focused on developing the sport from the grassroots and creating clear pathways for participation, talent development, competition and national representation.
The national team is therefore connected to the work happening at every level of the game.
Every young player introduced to netball, every coach developed, every competition organised and every opportunity created contributes to the future depth of Nigerian netball.
The Green Hawks provide a destination for that pathway — while the work to build the next generation begins at the grassroots.
A MOMENT FOR NIGERIAN NETBALL
Popoola’s appointment as the first captain gives this historic team its first leader and establishes a milestone that will remain part of Nigerian netball’s story.
As the Green Hawks prepare for their international debut, they carry more than the responsibility of representing Nigeria.
They carry the beginning of a national programme and the ambition of building a lasting future for the sport.
Nigeria has its first national netball team.
The Green Hawks have their first captain.
And a new chapter for Nigerian netball has begun.
NIGERIA NETBALL FEDERATION
Developing Netball. Empowering Communities. Building Champions.
