Friday, March 27, 2026 - The Nigerian women’s wheelchair basketball team has made history by qualifying for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The team defeated South Africa 8–3 in an enthralling final
on Thursday, Marchb 26 at the Commonwealth Games qualifiers in Angola.
Led by captain Ijigbamigbe Gbemisola Olubisi, the Nigerian
team staged a remarkable comeback to secure the sole ticket to Glasgow,
overcoming tournament favourites, South Africa.
Earlier in the group stage, Nigeria had lost 7–3 to South
Africa but bounced back with resilience and determination to clinch
qualification.
President of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation,
Seyi Johnson, described the team’s feat as a monumental achievement that will
further boost the growth of the sport in Nigeria.
“As President, I feel very fulfilled that we have been able
to make history in Nigerian wheelchair basketball. Everyone associated with the
sport, past and present, deserves credit for this milestone, which reflects
years of dedication and hard work,” Johnson said.
He also praised the leadership of the National Sports
Commission (NSC) for their pivotal role in the team’s success.
“I must specially thank the leadership of the National
Sports Commission under Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon.
Bukola Olopade for the guidance that has enabled every sport, regardless of
size, to thrive in Nigeria,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian men’s wheelchair basketball team
narrowly missed out on qualification, losing 13–8 to South Africa in the final.
Both Nigeria and South Africa will officially represent the
continent at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in the Women’s and Men’s
Wheelchair Basketball events, respectively.
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