Nigeria’s women’s wheelchair basketball team delivered a remarkable performance to secure qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after defeating South Africa 8-3 in a gripping final at the qualifiers in Angola, Trybal News reports.
Led by captain Ijigbamigbe Gbemisola Olubisi, the Nigerian side showed resilience and composure, overturning expectations against tournament favourites South Africa to claim the continent’s sole ticket. Their victory marks a significant milestone for the sport in the country and underlines the team’s steady rise on the international stage.
The final itself was fiercely contested, but Nigeria held their nerve when it mattered most, executing their game plan with discipline to seal a famous win and book their place in Scotland.
President of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Seyi Johnson, praised the team’s achievement, describing it as a defining moment for wheelchair basketball in Nigeria. He emphasized that the success reflects years of dedication from players, coaches and administrators who have worked tirelessly to grow the sport.
“As President, I feel very fulfilled that we have been able to make history in Nigeria wheelchair basketball. Everyone associated with Nigeria wheelchair basketball, both past and present, has every reason to share in this credit because this is the result of many years of dedication and hard work.”
“I must specially thank the leadership of the National Sports Commission under Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade for the kind of leadership direction they have brought into Nigerian sports, which is enabling every sport to thrive, regardless of size.”
While the women’s team celebrated qualification, the men’s team fell just short after losing 13-8 to South Africa in their own final. As a result, Nigeria will represent Africa in the women’s wheelchair basketball event, while South Africa take the men’s slot at the Glasgow Games.
