Team Nigeria made history at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on Friday by recording the country’s first-ever victory in 3×3 basketball, defeating the Cayman Islands 21-17 in their opening Pool A match.
Nigeria reached the winning mark with one minute and 36 seconds remaining after a disciplined display in the fast-paced contest.
The team combined accurate shooting with strong perimeter defence to overcome a resilient Cayman Islands side and make an impressive start to their Commonwealth Games campaign.
The victory was celebrated by members of the Nigerian contingent, with the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, congratulating the players and officials after the final buzzer.
“This is the kind of start we were hoping for. Congratulations to the team for their fighting spirit and determination. Enjoy this victory, but stay focused because the journey has only just begun. Nigeria believes in you, and we are confident you can achieve even greater success at these Games,” Olopade said.
The result provides an early boost to Team Nigeria’s campaign, with the country’s athletes also scheduled to compete in boxing and para powerlifting later on Friday.
Nigeria is represented by 74 athletes across 10 sports at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the National Sports Commission targeting a haul of between 16 and 20 gold medals.
