Bolaji Into Final, Nnanna Claims Historic Bronze at Para-Badminton World Championship

Bolaji Into Final, Nnanna Claims Historic Bronze at Para-Badminton World Championship

By Niyi Busari 

Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji has advanced to the final of the 2026 Para-Badminton World Championship in Bahrain following a commanding semifinal victory on Friday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Competing in the women’s SL3 category at the New Capital Indoor Hall, Bolaji defeated China’s Gaoying Yuan in straight sets, 21–12, 21–16, to book her place in Saturday’s final. She will face Japan’s Shino Kawai on February 14 as she bids for her first world title.

The reigning African champion has been dominant throughout the tournament. She opened her campaign with a 2–0 (21–13, 21–12) win over Australia’s Caitlin Dransfield, the world No. 18, before overpowering Brazil’s world No. 10 Adriane Ávila 2–0 (21–3, 21–7).

In the Round of 16, Bolaji dispatched France’s Milena Surreau 21–13, 21–12, and continued her impressive run with a comprehensive 21–6, 21–9 victory over Turkey’s world No. 5 Halime Yildiz in the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Chigozie Nnanna delivered a landmark performance in the men’s SL4 event, securing a bronze medal despite a semifinal defeat to India’s world No. 2 Naveen Sivakumar.

With their podium finishes, Bolaji and Nnanna have become the first African players to win medals at the Para-Badminton World Championship, marking a significant milestone for both Nigeria and the continent.

Bolaji had previously made history at the 2024 Summer Paralympics, where she became the first African to win a para-badminton medal by claiming bronze.

Reacting to the achievements, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, expressed pride in the athletes’ performances and the progress of the sport in the country.

“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,” Orbih said.

He noted that strategic efforts have been implemented to broaden Nigeria’s medal prospects beyond a single athlete, adding that the success reflects deliberate planning and investment in the sport. Orbih also highlighted the impact of Nigeria’s hosting of the African Para-Badminton Championships in Abia State last year in strengthening development pathways.

Looking ahead, he said a potential gold medal for Bolaji would further boost her confidence as she builds toward the 2028 Summer Paralympics in Los Angeles.

Orbih commended the National Sports Commission, the Abia State Government and GIG Logistics for their continued support in advancing para-badminton in Nigeria.