By Wale Joseph
Nigeria basketball team has been confirmed among the nations that will compete in the men’s 3×3 basketball event at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, marking a significant step for the country in one of the fastest-growing formats of the sport.
The competition is scheduled to take place at the SEC Centre from July 24 to July 29, 2026, featuring the high-tempo half-court version of basketball that has gained global popularity for its speed, skill, and festival-like atmosphere. Matches are played with three athletes per side on a single hoop, using a 12-second shot clock, with games lasting 10 minutes or ending once a team hits 21 points.
Nigeria will make its debut in the men’s draw alongside fellow first-timers Guyana and Malaysia, as the tournament expands from eight teams per gender at Birmingham 2022 to 12 teams in Glasgow—an indication of the sport’s rising international appeal.
The men’s field includes: Australia, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Guyana, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, Singapore, and one European nation yet to be confirmed. Host nation Scotland has already secured automatic qualification.
Australia, Kenya, New Zealand, and Scotland return with prior experience from the previous Games, while Australia will be aiming to improve on its silver medal finish in the men’s event.
Officials say the expanded lineup reflects the continued growth of 3×3 basketball worldwide.
Commonwealth Sport Director Ann-Louise Morgan described the format as one of the most exciting in global sport, noting that its energetic and crowd-friendly nature aligns with the youthful spirit of the Games.
The draw and match schedule for the event are expected to be released later this year as anticipation builds toward another showcase of the dynamic discipline on the Commonwealth stage.
