Nigeria’s women’s wheelchair basketball team has etched their names in history by qualifying for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. The team, led by captain Ijigbamigbe Gbemisola Olubisi, defeated South Africa 8-3 in an enthralling final on Thursday at the Commonwealth Games qualifiers in Angola.
The Nigerian team showed remarkable resilience, overcoming a 7-3 loss to South Africa in the group stage to snatch the sole ticket to the Commonwealth Games. Their victory marks Nigeria’s first-ever appearance in wheelchair basketball at the Commonwealth Games.
President of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Seyi Johnson, praised the team’s achievement, saying, “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”.
The team’s qualification is expected to boost Nigeria’s presence in para-sports and inspire young athletes across the country.