Nigeria’s para badminton sensation, Eniola Bolaji, continues to fly the nation’s flag high on the global stage, adding yet another prestigious gold medal to her growing collection. The Paralympic bronze medallist triumphed in the women’s singles SL3 category at the 2025 Spanish Para Badminton International II in Vitoria, extending her incredible unbeaten streak to 11 consecutive international tournaments.
Bolaji was in top form throughout the competition, defeating all her opponents without dropping a single set. In the final match, she outclassed Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyba with a straight-set victory, 21-15, 21-15, to claim the gold medal.
Her journey to the top of the podium was nothing short of dominant. She began her campaign with a confident 2-0 (21-15, 21-2) win over Brazil’s Kauana Michelson Beckenka, followed by another emphatic 2-0 (21-7, 21-8) victory against France’s Caroline Bergeron in the group stage. She then cruised past Australia’s Celine Vinot in the quarterfinals and outplayed India’s Neeraj in the semifinals to book her place in the final.
President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, hailed Bolaji’s win as a major milestone and a reflection of Nigeria’s growing presence in global para sports.
“Bolaji’s victory is a testament to her dedication and her rising dominance on the world para badminton stage. This gold is her second in just two months, and it shows that our athletes are capable of competing at the highest level,” Orbih said.
He also reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to supporting para athletes, with the long-term goal of ensuring more qualifications for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Bolaji led a five-member Nigerian team to the event, alongside Okoro Chinyere Lucky, Chukwuemeka Ijeoma Gift, Eze Chukwuebuka Sunday, and Nnanna Chigozie Jeremiah, all of whom competed in their respective singles events.
Following the Vitoria tournament, Bolaji, Jeremiah, and Eze will head to Madrid to participate in the highly regarded Spanish International Level 1 Para Badminton Championship from March 12th to 16th.
Francis Orbih also expressed gratitude to the National Sports Commission for its timely intervention and ongoing support, which he described as a catalyst for the recent surge in Nigeria’s sporting achievements.
“This is a new dawn for sports development in Nigeria,” he said. “The support we are receiving is translating into success, and our athletes are making the nation proud.”
