Nigeria’s women’s wheelchair basketball team delivered a historic performance to book their place at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, defeating South Africa 8–3 in the final of the IWBF Africa 3×3 Qualifiers in Luanda, Angola.
The victory ensured Nigeria claimed Africa’s sole ticket in the women’s event, marking a significant milestone for the country’s wheelchair basketball programme.
It was also a sweet moment of redemption, as the team overturned an earlier 5–2 group-stage defeat to the same South African side.
Speaking in an exclusive chat with Sports247 after the triumph, President of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Seyi Johnson, expressed pride in the team’s achievement and their preparation for the tournament.
“We are proud of our performance. We prepared for this great occasion, and I believed so much in my players,” Johnson said.
“I feel so good and excited about this historic qualification for the Commonwealth Games. It is a great response against South Africa because we knew we could win, and the team delivered convincingly.”
He also acknowledged the role of institutional support in the team’s success, highlighting the importance of continued backing from the National Sports Commission.
Nigeria’s men’s wheelchair basketball team, however, fell short in their own final, losing 13–8 to South Africa in a closely contested encounter.
Despite the defeat, Johnson remains optimistic about their chances of still making it to the Commonwealth Games.
“Though the men fell short, we are not totally disappointed. They can still qualify through the wildcard window. By reaching the final, we stand a strong chance, and we are hopeful our expectations will be met,” he added.
Both Nigerian teams had impressed throughout the tournament, which ran from March 22 to March 26 in Luanda, overcoming tough opposition to reach their respective finals.
Standout players such as Shittu Musbau and Olabisi Ijigbamigbe played key roles in Nigeria’s campaign, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
The qualification highlights Nigeria’s growing presence in wheelchair basketball on the African stage and sets the tone for what promises to be a competitive outing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
