History Made: Nigeria’s Women Wheelchair Basketball Qualify for 2026 Commonwealth Games

Nigeria’s women’s 3×3 wheelchair basketball team has carved out a place in history, defeating South Africa 8-3 in the final of the IWBF Africa Qualifiers in Luanda, Angola. This victory secures Nigeria’s first-ever ticket to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, scheduled for July 2026.

The Road to Glasgow

The victory was a redemption story. After being beaten by South Africa in the group stage, the Nigerian side, led by captain Ijigbamigbe Gbemisola Olubisi, staged a remarkable comeback in the final. Before the gold-medal match, they had comfortably brushed aside Kenya with a 6-2 win in the semi-finals.

A Milestone for Para-Sports

Seyi Johnson, President of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, described the achievement as a defining moment. He credited years of dedication and the support of the National Sports Commission for allowing the sport to thrive.

While the men’s team narrowly missed out—losing 13-8 to South Africa in their own final—the women’s triumph ensures Africa will be represented by Nigeria in Glasgow. It is a massive leap forward for visibility and support for para-sports across the country.

Sources: ACLSports, Complete Sports, Blueprint Newspapers