Captain of Team Nigeria’s wheelchair basketball team, Ijigbamigbe Gbemisola, has declared that the squad is heading into its historic 2026 Commonwealth Games debut with one objective, winning a medal for Nigeria.
The Nigerian contingent arrived in Glasgow on Tuesday after completing the final phase of its preparations in Aberdeen, where the team held an intensive training camp ahead of the Games. Attention has now shifted to their opening fixture, with Nigeria set to begin its campaign tomorrow against hosts Scotland.
Making their first-ever appearance in wheelchair basketball at the Commonwealth Games is already a landmark achievement, but Gbemisola insists the players have no intention of being mere participants.
“Qualifying for the Commonwealth Games was a huge achievement for us, but we don’t want to stop there. Our target is to win a medal and make Nigeria proud,” she said.
The team’s confidence has been boosted by weeks of preparations, including friendly matches and tactical sessions in Aberdeen that allowed the coaching crew to fine-tune the squad before their arrival in Glasgow.
Nigeria’s qualification for the Games represents another significant milestone for wheelchair basketball in the country, with the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation increasing support for para-sports in recent years.
Gbemisola believes the team’s unity and determination will be crucial when they face Scotland in what promises to be a demanding opening contest.
“Everyone in the team is excited to represent Nigeria. We understand what this opportunity means, and we’re ready to give our best for the country,” she added.
The optimism within the camp mirrors the confidence expressed by Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation President Seyi Johnson, who recently stated that the team is technically and mentally prepared to compete with the best teams in the Commonwealth.
With the opening game now just hours away, the Nigerian players are focused on translating months of hard work into results on the court.
For Gbemisola and her teammates, arriving in Glasgow marks the end of preparation and the beginning of a new chapter. Now, they are determined to ensure Nigeria’s first appearance in Commonwealth wheelchair basketball is remembered not just for making history, but for winning a place on the podium.
