Eniola Bolaji Wins Silver at British & Irish Para Badminton International

Posted : 29 June 2026

Nigeria's para-badminton star, Eniola Bolaji, added another international medal to her growing collection after winning silver at the 2026 British & Irish Para Badminton International in Dublin, Ireland. The Paralympic bronze medalist reached the women's SL3 singles final before falling to Japan's Shino Kawai in a closedly contested match.

Kawai defeated Bolaji in straight games, 21-18, 23-21, at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena. The result denied the Nigerian the opportunity to defend the title she won at the tournament in 2025, but it reinforced her status as one of the world's leading para-badminton players.

Bolaji produced an outstanding campaign on her way to the final. She began with convincing group-stage victories over India's Neeraj, winning 21-15, 21-3, before defeating France's Milena Surreau 21-19, 21-13.

The multiple African champion maintained her dominance in the knockout rounds. She overcame Türkiye's Halime Yildiz 21-16, 21-7 in the quarter-finals before delivering one of her strongest performances of the tournament with a 21-7, 21-9 victory over Australia's Celine Vinot in the semi-finals.

Badminton Federation of Nigeria President Francis Orbih praised Bolaji's performance and described her run to the final as another major achievement for Nigerian para-badminton. He expressed confidence that she can possibly reverse the result against Kawai with greater international exposure.

Orbih revealed that the federation is planning a three-month overseas training program to help Bolaji improve further and regain the world number one ranking she previously held before Kawai moved ahead of her. He said consistent training abroad would help bridge the gap between the two players.

The federation president also acknowledged the support provided by the National Sports Commission, the Badminton Confederation Africa, Yonex and GIG Logistics in Bolaji's development. He believes continued investment and international competition will strengthen Nigeria's chances of winning more medals at future world events.

Bolaji's latest podium finish continues an impressive spell that has seen her establish herself among the elite athletes in para-badminton. Her consistent performances on the world stage provide another boost for Nigerian badminton as preparations continue for upcoming international championships.

Eniola Bolaji Wins Silver at British & Irish Para Badminton International

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