Nigeria’s women wheelchair basketball team qualifies for Commonwealth Games

Nigeria’s women’s wheelchair basketball team has etched its name in history after qualifying for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, marking a major milestone for the sport in the country. The Nigerian side sealed qualification with a dramatic 8–3 victory over South Africa in the final of the Commonwealth Games qualifiers held in Angola on […]

Nigeria’s women’s wheelchair basketball team has etched its name in history after qualifying for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, marking a major milestone for the sport in the country.

The Nigerian side sealed qualification with a dramatic 8–3 victory over South Africa in the final of the Commonwealth Games qualifiers held in Angola on Thursday. The triumph represents a significant breakthrough, as the team overturned earlier setbacks to claim the sole ticket available for the women’s event.

Led by captain Ijigbamigbe Gbemisola Olubisi, the team produced a spirited and determined performance, rallying from their earlier 7–3 loss to South Africa in the group stage. Their resilience in the final proved decisive, as they outplayed the tournament favourites to secure qualification.

Reacting to the achievement, President of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Seyi Johnson, described the qualification as a landmark moment for the sport.

“ As a President I feel very fulfilled that we have been able to write history in Nigeria wheelchair basketball. Everyone associated with Nigeria Wheelchair basketball presently and even before, have every reason to share in this credit because this is a result of many years of dedication and hardwork”.

He also credited the leadership of the National Sports Commission for playing a crucial role in the team’s success.

“ I must specially thank the leadership of the National Sports Commission under the Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade for the kind of leadership direction they brought into Nigerian sports which is making every sport to thrive, regardless of whether they are bigger Sport or not”.

While the women’s team celebrated their historic qualification, the Nigerian men’s wheelchair basketball team narrowly missed out on a place at the Games, losing 13–8 to South Africa in their final.

With the outcome, Nigeria and South Africa will represent Africa at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with Nigeria competing in the women’s event and South Africa featuring in the men’s category.