Popoola named first captain of Nigeria's Green Hawks
Former England U-21 netball player Jade Popoola has been handed a historic role after being named the first-ever captain of Nigeria’s national women’s netball team, the Green Hawks.
The Nigeria Netball Federation announced the appointment on Sunday as the newly formed national side steps up preparations for the 2026 Africa Netball Cup and the 2027 Netball World Cup Africa regional qualifiers.
Introducing Popoola as the team’s inaugural captain, the federation described the appointment as the beginning of a new chapter for Nigerian netball.
“Introducing Jade Popoola, captain of Nigeria’s first National Netball Team as we prepare to make history in Nairobi,” the federation announced on Instagram.
“A huge responsibility. An even bigger honour. Leading a new generation of Nigerian netballers as we begin our journey on the road to Sydney 2027.”
The 22-year-old brings considerable international experience to the Green Hawks despite her young age.
Popoola, who graduated from the University of Cambridge with a degree in Human, Social and Political Sciences, first made her mark at Surbiton High School before earning a place in the England Roses Academy at 17.
She later rose through the England age-grade system, serving as vice-captain of the England U-21 side at Netball Europe in 2023, where the team won gold.
Her experience also extends to England’s professional Netball Super League, having featured for London Pulse and Loughborough Lightning.
Now, Popoola will lead Nigeria into their first major international challenge in Nairobi, Kenya, where the Green Hawks will compete in the Africa Netball Cup from September 19 to 26, with qualification for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney at stake.
Nigeria are drawn in Pool 2 alongside hosts Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and Zambia. Pool 1 consists of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Tanzania.
The Green Hawks will begin their campaign against Kenya on September 19, before taking on Uganda the following day. They will face Malawi on September 21 and round off their group-stage fixtures against Zambia on September 22.
The Nigerian squad is expected to arrive in Nairobi on September 18, following an intensive preparation programme in London that has included international exposure against Jamaica, Pakistan and Scotland.
Head coach Alison Akinrinsola believes the experience has given her players a clearer understanding of their strengths and the areas requiring improvement.
“We have seen where we are, we know the areas we need to improve, and we are working hard to get better,” Akinrinsola said.
“We are not going there just to participate. We are going there to compete and fight for Nigeria.”
With Popoola now carrying the honour of becoming the Green Hawks’ first captain, Nigeria will hope the historic appointment marks the start of a successful new era for the sport in the country.
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