Nigeria’s Wheelchair Queens Storm to Commonwealth Games

...NSC Earns Plaudits

 

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

  

Nigeria’s women’s 3x3 wheelchair basketball team delivered a moment of pure sporting history on Thursday, powering their way to qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games with a commanding 8-3 victory over South Africa in the final.

In a performance defined by grit, discipline, and tactical brilliance, the Nigerian side proved unstoppable, becoming the first team from the country to secure a Commonwealth Games ticket in the event. 

Earlier, they had brushed aside Kenya 6-2 in the semifinals, sending a clear warning of their intent.

While the athletes rightly take center stage, this triumph also shines a bright light on the proactive leadership of the National Sports Commission, whose timely support and strategic backing have been pivotal to the team’s success. 

At a time when para-sports often battle for recognition, the Commission’s intervention has not only empowered these athletes but positioned Nigeria as a growing force on the global stage.

President of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Oluwaseyi Johnson, hailed the team’s extraordinary run, praising their discipline, unity, and relentless fighting spirit.

“This is a product of hard work and belief,” he said, emphasizing that the historic qualification will inspire a new generation of athletes and elevate the status of para-sports across the country.

Johnson was also quick to acknowledge the unwavering support from the NSC, noting that such institutional backing is critical for sustained success.

He further extended appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s commitment to inclusivity and sports development.

The impact of that support was echoed by stakeholders across the region, including the leadership of the IWBF West African Zone, who stressed that Nigeria’s rise is no coincidence but the result of deliberate investment and opportunity creation.

However, it was a bittersweet outing for Nigeria, as the men’s team fell short in their own final, losing 13-8 to South Africa to miss out on qualification.

Still, the spotlight firmly belongs to the women’s team, trailblazers who have not only rewritten history but also reinforced the message that with the right support, Nigerian athletes, regardless of category, can conquer the world.