馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Bolaji wins silver at 2026 British & Irish Para Badminton International
via Punch Nigeria8 min read
Nigeria's Eniola Bolaji secured a silver medal at the 2026 British & Irish Para Badminton International held in Dublin, Ireland. The Paralympic bronze medallist and World Championships silver medallist was defeated 2-0 21-18, 23-21 by Japan's Shino Kawai in the women's SL3 singles final at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena. Bolaji had an impressive run to the final, achieving straight-game victories over India's Neeraj 21-15, 21-3 and France's Milena Surreau 21-19, 21-13 in the group stage. She continued her dominant form by beating T眉rkiye's Halime Yildiz 21-16, 21-7 in the quarter-finals and Australia's Celine Vinot 21-7, 21-9 in the semi-finals. Despite losing the final and the opportunity to defend her 2025 title, Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, commended Bolaji's "fantastic" performance. Orbih expressed confidence in Bolaji's ability to overcome Kawai in future competitions and revealed plans for an overseas training program to help her close the gap on the current world No. 1. He also acknowledged the support from the National Sports Commission, the Badminton Confederation Africa, and sponsors Yonex and GIG Logistics.
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