Nigeria’s first-ever national netball team faces hosts Kenya at 5pm Nigerian time as Green Hawks begin landmark World Cup qualification campaign in Nairobi
NAIROBI — Nigerian netball enters a historic new era on Saturday as the Green Hawks take to the international court for the first time, facing hosts Kenya in their opening match of the 2026 Africa Netball Championship and Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Qualifier.
The Pool 2 encounter takes place at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, with the first whistle scheduled for 7pm East Africa Time — 5pm Nigerian time — on Saturday, September 19.
Nigeria arrived in Nairobi on Friday and proceeded directly to the team hotel, where the players had a short period of rest before switching their attention fully to the opening encounter.
Saturday’s match carries special significance because the Green Hawks are Nigeria’s first-ever national netball team, making the meeting with Kenya the country’s first competitive international appearance at senior national-team level.
The Nigerians arrive with useful preparation behind them. The squad trained in London and gained valuable match exposure against Jamaica, Pakistan and Scotland before travelling to Kenya.
But facing Kenya in Nairobi presents a different challenge. The hosts will have home support and considerably more international experience, meaning Nigeria will need composure, discipline and a strong start to settle into the contest.
The Green Hawks have been drawn in a demanding Pool 2 alongside Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and Zambia. After Saturday’s opener, Nigeria will face Uganda on Sunday, Malawi on Monday and Zambia on Tuesday.
The top two teams from the pool will progress to the semifinals, giving every match added importance.
There is an even bigger prize on the horizon. The Nairobi competition forms part of Africa’s qualification pathway to the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, with two additional eligible African teams set to secure invitations from the tournament.
Where to Watch Nigeria vs Kenya Live
The Africa qualifier is available live and on demand globally through Discover Sport, according to World Netball.
https://streamtvgo99.live/africa-netball/
Match: Kenya vs Nigeria
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 5 pm Nigerian time | 7 pm Kenya time
Venue: Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi
Live coverage: Discover Sport
For Nigerian supporters, Saturday evening offers something never witnessed before: a Nigerian senior national netball team competing on the international stage.
At 5pm, the waiting ends.
The Green Hawks take flight.
