Team Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the men’s 3×3 basketball quarter-finals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games suffered another setback on Sunday following a 21-16 defeat to host nation Scotland in Glasgow.
Backed by a passionate home crowd, Scotland delivered a composed performance to hand Nigeria its third defeat in four Pool A matches, leaving the West Africans with an uphill task to qualify for the knockout stage.
Nigeria had begun its campaign on a bright note with a convincing 21-17 victory over the Cayman Islands, but successive losses have stalled their progress and put their qualification aspirations in serious jeopardy.
The Nigerians battled bravely against the hosts and stayed within touching distance for much of the contest.
However, Scotland capitalised on crucial moments in the closing stages, converting key baskets to seal a deserved victory.
The result leaves Team Nigeria with a 1-3 record in the group and needing a favourable combination of results, alongside a strong finish to the preliminary round, to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.
The defeat adds to a difficult day for Team Nigeria after boxer Ajishola Kadijat became the fourth Nigerian boxer to exit the competition following a narrow split-decision loss in the women’s 54kg Round of 16.
Despite the disappointment in basketball, Nigeria continues to enjoy success elsewhere at the Games.
The country’s para powerlifting team has already delivered an impressive medal haul, while the athletics competition begins on Monday with several Nigerian stars expected to challenge for podium finishes.
With their knockout chances now hanging in the balance, the Nigerian 3×3 basketball team will be determined to end the group stage on a positive note and give themselves every possible opportunity of advancing.
