Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji continued her impressive rise on the global stage by powering into the final of the Para-Badminton World Championship with a straight-sets victory on Friday, February 13.
The African champion proved too strong for China’s Gaoying Yuan, winning 21–12, 21–16 in the women’s SL3 semifinal at the New Capital Indoor Hall.
Bolaji will now square off against Japan’s Shino Kawai in the final on February 14, as she targets her maiden world title.
The Nigerian has been in outstanding form throughout the tournament. She began her campaign with a convincing 21–13, 21–12 win over Australia’s Caitlin Dransfield, before overpowering Brazil’s Adriane Ávila 21–3, 21–7.
Her dominance continued in the knockout rounds, where she defeated France’s Milena Surreau 21–13, 21–12 in the Round of 16 and then brushed aside Turkey’s Halime Yildiz 21–6, 21–9 in the quarterfinals to secure her semifinal spot.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Chigozie Nnanna delivered a breakthrough performance in the men’s SL4 category, earning a bronze medal despite a semifinal loss to India’s Naveen Sivakumar.
Their podium finishes mark a significant milestone, as Bolaji and Nnanna become the first African players to win medals at the Para-Badminton World Championship — a landmark achievement for both Nigeria and the continent.
Bolaji had previously made history as the first African to win a para-badminton medal at the 2024 Summer Paralympics, where she captured bronze.
Reacting to the performances, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, praised the athletes for their determination and progress.
I am excited that Eniola Bolaji has reached her second final in two months, and that Chigozie Nnanna has secured his first World Championship medal,” he said.
Orbih noted that deliberate and strategic efforts are being implemented to ensure more Nigerian athletes reach the podium, adding that the vision is already yielding results following the successful hosting of the African Para-Badminton Championships in Abia State.
He expressed optimism that Bolaji could secure another gold medal this year, a result that would further strengthen her confidence as she builds toward the 2028 Summer Paralympics.
Orbih also applauded the support from the National Sports Commission, the Abia State Government, and GIG Logistics for their continued commitment to the development of para-badminton in the country.
