By Wale Joseph
Nigeria’s women’s wheelchair basketball team have etched their names in history after qualifying for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The team sealed their place with an impressive 8–3 victory over South Africa in Thursday’s final at the qualifiers held in Angola, overturning earlier disappointment to emerge champions.
Led by captain Ijigbamigbe Gbemisola Olubisi, the Nigerian side produced a spirited comeback performance against the tournament favourites. Having suffered a 7–3 defeat to the same opponents during the group stage, the team showed resilience and determination when it mattered most to claim the lone qualification ticket.
Reacting to the achievement, President of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Seyi Johnson, described the qualification as a landmark moment for the sport in the country, highlighting its steady development over the years.
“As President, I feel very fulfilled that we have been able to write history in Nigeria wheelchair basketball. Everyone associated with Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball, both past and present, deserves to share in this achievement because it is the result of years of dedication and hard work,” he said.
Johnson also credited the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for their support.
“I must specially thank the leadership of the National Sports Commission under Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade for the direction they have brought into Nigerian sports, enabling all disciplines to grow, regardless of their size,” he added.
In the men’s category, Nigeria narrowly missed out on qualification after falling 13–8 to South Africa in the final.
As a result, Nigeria’s women’s team and South Africa’s men’s team will represent Africa in wheelchair basketball at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
