Nigeria’s para-badminton sensation, Eniola Bolaji, continued her impressive run on the international stage, securing another gold medal at the Spanish Para-Badminton International 2025 in Toledo, Spain.
Bolaji delivered a dominant performance in the women’s SL3 final, defeating Turkey’s Halime Yildiz in straight sets (21-7, 21-10) to claim her second gold medal in two weeks.
Just a week prior, Bolaji had emerged victorious at the Spanish International in Victoria, Spain, reinforcing her status as one of the top para-badminton players in the world.
More Medals for Team Nigeria
Nigeria’s impressive showing in Spain was not limited to Bolaji’s gold. In the men’s SL4 doubles event, the pair of Nnana Jeremiah and Eze Chukwuebuka battled their way to a bronze medal, further solidifying the country’s presence in para-badminton at the international level.
National Sports Commission Commends Athletes
Following the team’s success, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, praised the athletes for their dedication and hard work, which has brought glory to Nigeria.
“These athletes have once again showcased the resilience and talent that define Nigerian sports,” Dikko said. “Their success is a testament to their hard work and perseverance, as well as the strategic leadership provided by the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), led by Francis Orbih. We are proud of them and remain committed to supporting their journey to even greater heights.”
Dikko also emphasized the importance of continued investment in para-sports, ensuring that Nigerian athletes have the resources and support needed to excel on the world stage.
Aligning with National Sports Development Goals
Echoing similar sentiments, Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, highlighted how these achievements align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for grassroots sports development in Nigeria.
“Our goal is not just to compete but to ensure that Nigeria consistently ranks among the best in the world,” Olopade said. “The success of these para-badminton athletes reflects our commitment to nurturing talents from the grassroots and providing them with international exposure.”
Looking Ahead: The Road to More Glory
With back-to-back gold medals, Eniola Bolaji has reinforced her dominance in para-badminton, raising Nigeria’s hopes for more success in future international competitions, including the Paralympic Games.
Her achievements, alongside the bronze-medal win by Nnana Jeremiah and Eze Chukwuebuka, demonstrate Nigeria’s growing influence in the sport and highlight the potential for even greater success with continued investment and support.
As the Nigerian para-badminton team looks ahead to more tournaments, their recent triumphs serve as motivation for aspiring athletes and a testament to the power of dedication, training, and strategic leadership in sports development.
