Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji has reached the final of the 2026 Para-Badminton World Championship in Bahrain, following a commanding semifinal win. The Nigerian star will face Japan’s Shino Kawai in the women’s SL3 final at the New Capital Indoor Hall on Saturday.
Bolaji, the reigning African champion, overpowered China’s Gaoying Yuan 21-12, 21-16 in the semifinal. Her dominant run in the tournament has included impressive victories over world-class opponents, starting with a 21-13, 21-12 triumph over Australia’s Caitlin Dransfield (world No. 18) and a 21-3, 21-7 win against Brazil’s Adriane Ávila (world No. 10). She also defeated France’s Milena Surreau 21-13, 21-12 in the round of 16 and Turkey’s Halime Yildiz 21-6, 21-9 in the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, Chigozie Nnanna made history in the men’s SL4 event by claiming a bronze medal after falling to India’s world number two, Naveen Sivakumar, in the semifinals. With their podium finishes, Bolaji and Nnanna have become the first African athletes to win medals at a Para-Badminton World Championship—an historic milestone for Nigeria and the continent.
Bolaji had already made history as the first African to medal in para-badminton at the Paralympic Games, winning bronze at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, praised the athletes’ achievements.
“I am thrilled that Eniola Bolaji has reached her second final in two months and that Chigozie Nnanna has secured his first World Championship medal,” Orbih said.
“Our strategic plans to develop podium-ready athletes are yielding results. Following our successful hosting of the African Para-Badminton Championships in Abia State last year, this is a testament to our vision.”
Orbih added that Bolaji is on track to potentially claim her second gold medal of the year, boosting confidence ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. He also commended the National Sports Commission, Abia State Government, and GIG Logistics for their continued support of para-badminton in Nigeria.
