New Zealand netball star Grace Nweke has praised the talent and willingness to learn among young Nigerian players. She returned to Lagos to mentor aspiring netballers through the Coming Home programme.
Nweke, born in Auckland to Nigerian parents, joined other international netball stars for the programme. It included trials, coaching sessions, and an exhibition match at Rowe Park Sports Centre in Yaba.
The 24-year-old goal shooter found coaching and connecting with the young players rewarding. She is hopeful about the future of netball in Nigeria.
“It warms my heart to see many Nigerian athletes take on netball. It’s full circle for me to be in Lagos to give back through a game that I love and has given me so much.
“To be a netballer and share my Nigerian heritage has been really inspiring. The athletes are keen to learn and grow, and a lot of them have basketball knowledge with a lot of transferable skills.
“If we can do more of this, not only in Lagos but in other parts of the country more frequently, we will see the game grow and more success in the future.”
The initiative also received backing from the UK and Australian governments. Stakeholders talked about the possibilities for international teamwork to boost netball in Nigeria.
Simon Field, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, mentioned the potential for stronger sports ties between the UK and Nigeria.
“I think it’s really important, sports collaboration between the UK and Nigeria, especially as Lagos has sent so many amazing athletes into the world, especially to the UK.
“There are so many opportunities for sports collaborations, especially for young athletes in Lagos State.”
Ade Adebisi, Head of Africa at TalentLockr and a member of the Lagos State Netball Association, said the programme gave young Nigerian players world-class experience and mentorship.
“From the trials to the selection exhibition, all held at Rowe Park, the talent, energy and dedication we’ve witnessed from these young players has been outstanding.
“Bringing Grace Nweke back to Lagos, alongside Carissa Tombs and Stephanie Raileqe, gave our girls direct access to world-class experience and mentorship they will carry with them for years to come.
“This is only the beginning of what we believe will become a lasting pathway for netball talent in Nigeria.”
The Australian Government also supported the programme. They noted that their partnership with Nigerian stakeholders could help build strong links in coaching, player development, and grassroots participation.
“Australia is proud to support the Coming Home programme and to have helped bring Grace Nweke and former Australian Diamond Carissa Tombs OAM to Nigeria.
“Netball is a major sport in Australia, and we have considerable expertise to share as the game continues to grow in Nigeria.
“We’re particularly pleased to see the partnership developing between Australia’s Netball Development Academy and the Lagos State Netball Association, building lasting links in coaching, player development and grassroots participation.”
Nweke was born in Auckland, New Zealand, on February 7, 2002, to Nigerian parents who moved to the country. Standing at 1.93m, she plays as a goal shooter. She was the first player of African descent to represent the New Zealand Silver Ferns. Nweke played a key role in the Silver Ferns’ bronze-medal run at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. She made her Netball World Cup debut in 2023, but her campaign ended early due to injury.
Nweke was also vital in New Zealand’s Commonwealth Games gold-medal win in Glasgow. She helped the Silver Ferns claim their first title since 2010 with a 56-48 victory over Jamaica in the final.
She finished the tournament as the leading scorer, netting 229 goals in 270 minutes on court. Her standout performances included a 52-from-57 shooting display in the semi-final against England and 48-from-54 in the gold-medal match against Jamaica.
Nweke recently signed a three-year deal with the Sydney Sirens after leaving cross-town rivals NSW Swifts.
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