Uganda’s She Gladiators saved their best for the right moment, crushing Nigeria 65-22 to book their place in the women’s semifinals of the inaugural 2026 Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship in Ahmedabad, India on Wednesday morning.

The 43-point victory in their final Group A match secured Uganda the fourth and final semifinal slot, completing the last-four lineup alongside India, Kenya and Sri Lanka.

With their tournament hopes on the line, the Ugandans rose to the occasion, overwhelming Nigeria to keep their pursuit of a historic title alive.

Uganda captain Olivia Nalubega has promised a strong fight for a place in the final of the 2026 Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship.

Nalubega, who was named Best Rider of the Match, was pleased with how her teammates handled the game and believes they have what it takes to go all the way.

“We have managed to qualify for the semifinals. We have played our last group game against Nigeria and secured it with a convincing win, giving us a lot of points,” she said.

“The game was nice. We enjoyed playing, and we managed to get a Best Rider from that game and a Best Defender in Nahia Nalwoga.”

The win sets up a mouth-watering semifinal clash against regional rivals Kenya on Friday, October 30, at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad.

She is confident her side is in good shape for the challenge and has promised to give everything to keep Uganda’s hopes of lifting the title alive.

“We are so happy that we have qualified for the semis, and my team is in good shape to face the Kenyan team, which is also in the semis,” she said.

“So we are going to do our best and do everything we can so that we can go to the finals. I would like to promise the country that we are going to do it again and again.”

The match is scheduled for 3:30 pm East African Time, with Uganda needing another strong performance to move one step closer to the championship final.

Hosts India will face Sri Lanka in the second semifinal at 4:15 pm EAT at the same venue.