Nigerian sensation Eniola Bolaji has emphatically secured her place in the final of the 2026 Para-Badminton World Championship in Bahrain, following a dominant semi-final performance on Friday, 13th February.
The reigning African champion and Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medallist is now poised to challenge for her maiden world title.
Bolaji, competing in the women’s SL3 category at the New Capital Indoor Hall, dispatched China’s Gaoying Yuan in a commanding straight-sets victory, 21–12, 21–16. Her path to the final has been nothing short of imperious, with a series of impressive wins including a 2–0 (21–13, 21–12) triumph over Australia’s world No. 18 Caitlin Dransfield and a crushing 2–0 (21–3, 21–7) defeat of Brazil’s world No. 10 Adriane Ávila. She continued her formidable run by overcoming France’s Milena Surreau 21–13, 21–12 in the Round of 16, before a hard-fought quarter-final victory against Turkey’s world No. 5 Halime Yildiz, 21-6, 21-9. Bolaji will now face Japan’s Shino Kawai in the highly anticipated final on 14th February.
Meanwhile, compatriot Chigozie Nnanna has etched his name in history, securing a bronze medal in the men’s SL4 event. Nnanna’s historic run concluded with a semi-final defeat to India’s world No. 2 Naveen Sivakumar, but his podium finish marks a significant milestone.
These remarkable achievements by Bolaji and Nnanna represent a groundbreaking moment for African sport, as they become the first African players to secure medals at the Para-Badminton World Championship. Bolaji had previously made history as the first African to win a para-badminton medal at the Paralympic Games, earning bronze at the 2024 Summer Paralympics.
Reacting to the athletes’ outstanding performances, Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, expressed immense pride. “I am thrilled that Eniola Bolaji has reached her second final in as many months, and that Chigozie Nnanna has secured his inaugural World Championship medal,” Orbih stated.
He further elaborated on the strategic vision for Nigerian para-badminton: “There have been deliberate and strategic plans to ensure that more athletes, beyond Bolaji, achieve podium success. I am delighted that this vision is now becoming a reality, particularly following our successful hosting of the African Para-Badminton Championships in Abia State last year. If all goes to plan, Bolaji could claim her second gold medal of the year, providing a significant confidence boost as she continues her journey towards the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.”
Orbih also extended his gratitude to the National Sports Commission, the Abia State Government, and GIG Logistics for their unwavering support in fostering the growth of para-badminton within Nigeria.
