Paralympic bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji has reaffirmed her dominance on the global stage, securing gold in the women’s singles SL3 category at the 2025 Spanish Para Badminton International II in Vitoria. This latest triumph extends her unbeaten streak to an incredible 11 consecutive international tournaments.
The multiple-time African champion put on a commanding performance in Sunday’s final, outclassing Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyba in straight sets (21-15, 21-15) to solidify her reputation as one of the world’s top para badminton players.
Bolaji’s journey to gold was nothing short of spectacular. She breezed through the tournament without dropping a single set, starting with a 2-0 (21-15, 21-2) victory over Brazil’s Kauana Michelson Beckenka in the group stage. She followed up with another dominant win, defeating France’s Caroline Bergeron 2-0 (21-7, 21-8).
In the knockout rounds, the Nigerian star maintained her unrelenting form. She overpowered Australia’s Celine Vinot 2-0 (21-8, 21-12) in the quarterfinals before dismantling India’s Neeraj 2-0 (21-12, 21-6) in the semifinals to book her place in the final.
President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, lauded Bolaji’s remarkable feat, emphasizing that this victory marks her second international gold medal in just two months.
“Bolaji’s success is a testament to her hard work and rising dominance on the world stage. Winning back-to-back international titles in two months proves that our athletes can compete with the best,” Orbih stated.
He reaffirmed the BFN’s commitment to supporting para badminton athletes, with a strong focus on securing more qualifications for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics and Olympics.
Bolaji led a five-member Nigerian squad to Vitoria, which included Okoro Chinyere Lucky, Chukwuemeka Ijeoma Gift, Eze Chukwuebuka Sunday, and Nnanna Chigozie Jeremiah, all of whom competed in their respective singles categories.
Following their campaign in Vitoria, three Nigerian athletes—Bolaji, Jeremiah, and Eze—will proceed to Toledo, Madrid, for the Spanish International Level 1 Para Badminton Championship, set to take place from March 12 to 16.
Orbih also extended his appreciation to the National Sports Commission for its unwavering support, emphasizing that their backing is instrumental in driving para badminton’s growth in Nigeria.
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