GLASGOW, Scotland – July 26, 2026 – Guyana’s men’s 3×3 basketball team came agonizingly close to their second victory of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, falling 20-19 to Nigeria in a nail-biting Pool A clash at SEC Hall 4 on Sunday evening.

In what was undoubtedly Guyana’s most competitive performance of the tournament, Guyana pushed the African powerhouse to the very limit before succumbing to a narrow one-point defeat.

Anish Ramlall continued his impressive form, leading Guyana with a team-high 10 points on 4/11 shooting from beyond the arc. Captain Travis Belgrave contributed 6 points and showcased his all-around game with 3 defensive rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 drives. Kevin Mickle added 2 points and 2 rebounds, while Christian Hinckson chipped in with 1 point and 4 rebounds in a gritty defensive effort.

The match was a tale of two halves, with Guyana showing significant improvement from their previous outing against Australia. The Guyanese side connected on 6 of 24 attempts from 2-point range (25%) – a marked improvement from their 2-of-13 showing against the Australians.

However, Nigeria’s efficiency from inside the arc proved decisive. The West Africans shot an impressive 73% (8/11) from 1-point range, compared to Guyana’s 55% (6/11). Nigeria also dominated the glass, securing 20 total rebounds to Guyana’s 17, including 4 offensive boards that led to second-chance opportunities.

Esosa Okundaye led Nigeria with 9 points, shooting a blistering 4/6 from 2-point range. Marcel Esonwune added 6 points on a perfect 6/6 from inside the arc, while Robert Ukawuba contributed 2 points and Ikechukwu Sean Nwamu rounded out the scoring with 3 points.

Despite the loss, there were numerous positives for the Guyanese contingent. The team forced 8 Nigerian turnovers and recorded 4 blocked shots – a defensive intensity that kept them in the contest until the final buzzer. Guyana also showed improved ball movement with 4 assists and generated 10 drives to the basket.

The one-point defeat leaves Guyana with a 1-3 record in Pool A, but the performance against Nigeria,  a team with significant international experience, will give the squad immense confidence heading into their remaining fixtures.

The GBF is encouraged by the team’s offensive progression and defensive tenacity. The narrow margin of defeat demonstrates that Guyana can compete with the best teams in the Commonwealth.

With this loss, Guyana officially exits the Commonwealth Games 3×3 basketball tournaments.

MATCH SUMMARY:
Nigeria 20 (Okundaye 9, Esonwune 6, Nwamu 3, Ukawuba 2)
Guyana 19 (Ramlall 10, Belgrave 6, Mickle 2, Hinckson 1)

WHAT THEY SAID:
We showed tonight what we’re capable of. One point against a top team like Nigeria, it hurts, but it also shows we belong here. We’ll take this energy into our next tournament.” – Team Guyana.

POOL A STANDINGS (After 5 Games):
Guyana – 1-4