Susan Abayomi
Nigeria’s wheelchair basketball teams have made it to the semifinals of the Commonwealth Wheelchair Basketball Qualifiers in Angola. Both the men’s and women’s teams secured their spots in the semifinals, showcasing their determination and skill.
The men’s team came from behind to edge Kenya 7-6 in their opening match, followed by a convincing 14-2 win over Gambia. Although they suffered a 10-5 defeat to South Africa in their final group-stage match, they still managed to secure a semifinal spot and will face Kenya again.
Head coach Taye Sofolahan praised his players’ fighting spirit, saying they proved doubters wrong despite being written off by opponents due to their absence from international competitions. The women’s team also showed resilience, bouncing back from a 4-2 loss to South Africa with an 8-0 victory over Kenya, securing their semifinal spot against the same opponent.
The Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation has expressed confidence in the team’s prospects, highlighting their thorough preparation and resilience. President Oluwaseyi Johnson emphasized the significance of the qualifiers, not only for sporting excellence but also for promoting para-sports in Nigeria.
The teams have been preparing for this moment, with a 16-player squad invited to a closed camping programme ahead of the qualifiers. The men’s team includes players like Shittu Musbau, Adetayo Kehinde, and Abel Oluwaseun, while the women’s team features Olabisi Ijigbamigbe, Nofisat Adefala, and Amakor Patricia.
With the semifinals approaching, all eyes are on Nigeria’s wheelchair basketball teams as they aim to secure qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
