President of the Nigeria Netball Federation, Dr Oluwatoyin Esther Aluko, has outlined plans to expand the reach of netball across the country, with increased grassroots participation, school competitions and the development of a national league among the federation’s priorities.
Speaking on Inside Naija on Sports247, Aluko explained that the federation was working to create more opportunities for young people to discover and participate in the sport, while also establishing a stronger structure for its development in Nigeria.
She disclosed that the federation was engaging state governments to encourage wider participation, particularly across the six geopolitical zones, as part of efforts to move netball beyond its existing areas of strength.
“…netball has grown faster in the south-west, in the south-east and in the south-south but in the northern region we still have some work…”
According to her, coaching clinics and demonstration programmes are also being considered to introduce the sport to more schools and help develop players at the grassroots level.
Aluko revealed that the federation was also working towards having netball featured at the National Intermediate Games, with 12 teams expected to participate in the competition.
She explained that nine states had indicated interest in participating following engagements with state sports directors, but the late announcement of the competition made it difficult to bring together the required number of teams.
The federation president also disclosed that plans for a national netball league were in the pipeline, although the immediate focus remains on building a stronger foundation and encouraging more states to embrace the sport.
Looking at the next five years, Aluko identified the availability of facilities, particularly standard netball courts, as an important part of the federation’s development plans.
Beyond her role in netball, Aluko also spoke about the Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN), explaining that the association was established to provide a platform for former female athletes to remain connected to sports after retirement.
She noted that the association would also allow former athletes to contribute their experience to the development of younger athletes through mentorship, guidance and other support initiatives.
Aluko stressed that membership of AFFAN was voluntary and encouraged former female athletes, as well as those still competing, to become part of the association.
With grassroots development, school participation and improved sporting facilities forming part of its agenda, the Nigeria Netball Federation is looking to create a more established pathway for the sport and attract a new generation of players.
