The Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation has invited 16 players to a closed-camp programme ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games qualifiers scheduled to hold in Angola.

The federation’s media coordinator, Dare Kuti, stated this in a statement in Lagos on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the national camping exercise will take place at Package ‘B’ of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium from March 8 to 21.

In the men’s category, the invited players are Shittu Musbau, Adetayo Kehinde, Abel Oluwaseun, Akinde Tony, Bailey Oluwasegun, Durowoju Babalola, Mohammed Muritala, and Rilwan Abubakir.

Others are Olabisi Ijigbamigbe, Nofisat Adefala, Amakor Patricia, Aishat Yahaya, Christiana Olowolagba, Grace Nwaozuzu, and Folashade Obagbemi for the women’s team.

The Commonwealth Games qualifiers will hold in Luanda, Angola, from March 22 to 27.

President of the federation, Oluwaseyi Johnson, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances at the championship, officially known as the 2026 IWBF Africa 3×3 Championship.

“We are fully prepared and determined to excel at the 2026 IWBF Africa 3×3 Championship, which serves as the Commonwealth Games qualifiers.

“Our players are committed, and the technical crew is working tirelessly to ensure we put up a strong performance,” he said.

Johnson commended the National Sports Commission for its support.

He added that with sustained backing and proper planning, Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball is on course to make the country proud on the continental stage.

“We appreciate the leadership of the National Sports Commission in creating an enabling environment for us to prepare adequately.

“With this level of support and dedication from our athletes, I am confident Nigeria will make the nation proud on the continental stage,” he said.

(NAN)