By Wale Joseph
Eniola Bolaji delivered another statement performance on the international stage, sealing her place in the World Championship final after outclassing China’s Gaoying Yuan in straight games, 21–12, 21–16, on Friday.
The victory keeps the Paris Paralympic medallist firmly on course for her first global title, with Japan’s Shino Kawai standing between the Nigerian star and gold in the championship match scheduled for February 14.
Bolaji’s route to the final has been nothing short of commanding. She set the tone early with a comfortable win over Australia’s Caitlin Dransfield before dismantling Brazil’s Adriane Ávila in one of the most one-sided matches of the tournament.
Her momentum carried into the knockout rounds, where she eliminated France’s Milena Surreau and later overpowered Turkey’s Halime Yildiz to confirm her status as one of the competition’s standout athletes.
While Bolaji chased gold, Chigozie Nnanna ensured Nigeria would leave the championship with silverware after finishing third in the men’s SL4 event. His campaign ended in the semifinals against India’s Naveen Sivakumar, but the bronze medal represents a career-defining achievement.
Together, both players have rewritten history by becoming the first Africans to step onto the podium at the Para-Badminton World Championship — a milestone that highlights the continent’s steady progress in the sport.
Bolaji’s latest feat adds to her growing legacy, having previously emerged as Africa’s first Paralympic para-badminton medallist with bronze at the 2024 Summer Paralympics.
President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, described the performances as proof that long-term investment in para-badminton is beginning to pay dividends.
He noted that expanding the pool of medal contenders has been a key objective and expressed satisfaction that more Nigerian athletes are now making an impact at the highest level, particularly after the successful continental championships staged in Abia State.
Orbih further projected that a potential title win for Bolaji would provide strong momentum as she builds toward the 2028 Summer Paralympics, while also inspiring upcoming players across the country.
He also acknowledged the backing of the National Sports Commission, the Abia State Government, and GIG Logistics for their continued role in supporting the growth of para-badminton in Nigeria.
