Team Nigeria Makes Commonwealth Games History as 3×3 Basketball Team Secures Landmark Win, Ezuruike Claims First Medal

Team Nigeria’s men’s 3×3 basketball team has recorded its first-ever victory at the Commonwealth Games after defeating the Cayman Islands 21-17 in their opening fixture at the Glasgow 2026 Games.

Esosa Okundaye and Ikechukwu “Ike” Nwamu led the scoring with six points apiece, helping Nigeria produce a disciplined performance to earn the country’s maiden Commonwealth Games win in the 3×3 basketball event.

Speaking after the match, Nwamu attributed the victory to the team’s extensive preparations and expressed pride in representing Nigeria on the international stage.

“It was a great match. We fought hard and our preparations paid off as we won Nigeria’s first game in 3×3 basketball at the Commonwealth Games,” he said.

“We are now getting ready for the next two games. Playing for Nigeria means a lot to me, and every opportunity I have to represent my country means everything.”

Nwamu also acknowledged the support of the National Sports Commission (NSC), noting that the team’s preparations included training sessions with the Netherlands’ national side, the reigning Olympic champions in 3×3 basketball.

Nigeria will continue its group-stage campaign later on Friday with crucial fixtures against Australia and New Zealand as the team targets qualification for the knockout rounds.

Meanwhile, Team Nigeria opened its medal tally at the Games through Paralympian Roland Ezuruike, who secured a silver medal in the Men’s Lightweight Group A Para Powerlifting event.

Ezuruike finished with 153.9 points to claim second place after narrowly missing a Commonwealth Games record lift of 190kg on his final attempt.

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In recognition of his achievement, the NSC presented the powerlifter with an immediate $2,000 medal reward, alongside an additional $2,000 performance bonus, bringing his total cash reward to $4,000.

Elsewhere, Nigerian boxer Ayomide Foly Hassan was eliminated in the Round of 32 after losing a closely contested bout to Refiloe Thai. Although Hassan believed he had done enough to earn victory, the judges ruled in favour of his opponent.

Team Nigeria’s attention now turns to additional medal prospects in para powerlifting, where Esther Oyema, Esther Nworgu, reigning world champion Rita Ferdinand, multiple Paralympic and Commonwealth champion Folashade Oluwafemiayo, and Rilwan Idris are all scheduled to compete.

The country will also be represented in boxing by Abdulramon Abdulwahab, who is set to compete in the men’s 68kg division as Team Nigeria continues its pursuit of more medals at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.