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Nigeria qualified for the semi-finals of the 2026 Commonwealth Games 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball Qualifiers in the men’s and women’s categories in Angola on Wednesday, March 25.
The West African team came from behind to beat Kenya 7-6 in their first match before thrashing Gambia 14-2 in their second match in the men’s category.
However, they suffered a 10-5 defeat to South Africa in their final group match and will now face Kenya in the semi-finals.
The head coach of the Nigerian wheelchair basketball team, Taye Sofolahan, has praised the fighting spirit of his players during the group stage.
Sofolahan noted that the team had been written off by its opponents due to its absence from international competitions, but praised the players for proving the skeptics wrong.
He also praised Nigerian Wheelchair Basketball President Oluwaseyi Johnson for ensuring the team’s participation in the qualifiers.
He said: “I want to congratulate the players for giving their best during the group stage, especially against Kenya. The boys found their rhythm and surprised the East African team.
“Our rivals had already downplayed us for reasons best known to them, but the men’s team did not disappoint.”
IWBF West Africa Zone President Oluwaseyi Johnson urged players to remain focused on securing qualification for the Commonwealth Games.
Johnson said: “I believe in the ability of the players and the coaching staff. My message to the team is simple: qualify for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and put Nigeria on the map in Africa.”
Meanwhile, the women’s team lost their opening match 4-2 to South Africa, but bounced back with a convincing 8-0 win over Kenya to secure a place in the semi-finals, where they will again face Kenya.
