She Cranes begin Africa Netball Cup quest against debutants Nigeria
The meeting will be the first between Uganda and Nigeria at the Africa Netball Cup, with the West Africans facing a formidable challenge against the She Cranes, who are former African champions, having won the continental title in 2014, 2017 and 2018.
Shadia Nassanga, Margaret Baagala and Shaffie Nalwanja having a pep talk during training in Kenya. PHOTO: Olivia Nakate
2026 Africa Netball Cup fixtures
Saturday
Kenya vs Uganda (Men): 7:00am
Sunday
Uganda vs South Africa (men): 8:00am
Uganda vs Nigeria (Women): 6:00pm
The national netball team, the She Cranes, will begin their Africa Netball Cup campaign on Sunday against debutants Nigeria in a Group B clash that pits continental experience against a team making its first appearance at the championship.
Uganda will look to draw on its wealth of continental and international experience as Nigeria makes its first appearance on the continental stage. The two sides are in Group B alongside Malawi, Zambia and Kenya.
Nigeria, led by 22-year-old captain Jade Popoola Ayomide Alero, will be aiming to make a strong impression on their debut. The Green Hawks are also targeting one of the two qualification places available for the 2027 Netball World Cup.
For Uganda, however, the objective is clear: to start the tournament with a victory.
She Cranes captain Racheal Nanyonga says every match will be important as Uganda targets the continental crown and an improvement in its world ranking.
"We want to win this year's trophy, meaning every win is essential. We welcome Nigeria to the continental level and we are looking forward to seeing their style of play. Our goal this year is simple: win the trophy, retain or improve on the world netball ranking," Nanyonga said.
The difference in international experience is also reflected in the latest World Netball rankings. Uganda enters the competition ranked sixth in the world and second in Africa, while Nigeria is currently unranked.
Despite the gap in experience and rankings, Nigeria will be eager to make its continental debut count and register its first victory of the tournament against the She Cranes.
The Africa Netball Cup serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia.
Uganda and South Africa have already secured their places at the World Cup through their rankings, leaving the remaining teams to battle for the two available qualification slots.
Both sides have plenty to play for; the opening encounter promises to be an important early test for Nigeria and an opportunity for Uganda to lay down its intentions in the competition.
The men's netball team, The Rock, will also face defending champions South Africa. Last year in Lilongwe, Uganda lost to South Africa.