Nigeria’s women’s wheelchair basketball team wrote a new chapter in the nation’s sporting history on Monday, defeating India 7-6 to record the country’s first-ever victory in wheelchair basketball at the Commonwealth Games and book a place in the quarter-finals of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The historic triumph at the SEC Hall 4 completed a remarkable turnaround for the Nigerian side, who had entered their final Pool B fixture knowing that only victory would keep their dreams alive after suffering defeats in their opening matches.
Having lost to Wales and hosts Scotland, the Nigerian women found themselves staring at an early exit. But with their backs firmly against the wall, they produced a courageous and disciplined performance against India, displaying resilience, composure and determination to edge a thrilling contest by a single point.
In a game where every possession mattered, the Nigerians refused to buckle under pressure, holding on for a priceless 7-6 victory that sparked wild celebrations among players and officials after the final buzzer.
The win not only secured Nigeria’s maiden Commonwealth Games victory in wheelchair basketball but also earned the team a coveted quarter-final berth, where they will face Australia on Tuesday.
For a team making history simply by qualifying for the Games, reaching the knockout stage is another significant milestone. Yet the Nigerian players believe their journey is far from over.
With confidence soaring after their breakthrough victory, the team will now take on one of the tournament favourites knowing that another upset would propel them into the semi-finals and move them within touching distance of an unprecedented Commonwealth Games medal.
Sports247 gathered that the Nigerian camp erupted in celebration after the final whistle, with teammates from other sports applauding the wheelchair basketball side for keeping the country’s hopes alive in the competition.
Having already become the first Nigerian wheelchair basketball team to compete at the Commonwealth Games, the women have now added another historic achievement by recording the nation’s first victory on the Games stage. Attention now shifts to Tuesday’s blockbuster quarter-final clash against Australia, where another inspired performance could bring Team Nigeria within one win of a historic podium finish.
