Nigeria’s Para-Badminton Star Eniola Bolaji Claims Gold At Egypt International

Nigeria’s top para-badminton player, Eniola Bolaji, secured the gold medal at the 2026 Egypt International Championship yesterday.

The Paralympic bronze medallist, currently ranked world number two, triumphed over Turkey’s world number seven, Halime Yildiz, with a decisive 2–0 (21–10, 21–4) victory in the final held at the New Capital Indoor Hall in Cairo.

Bolaji’s dominant performance saw her dispatch Yildiz in the opening round with a comfortable 2–0 (21–9, 21–10) win, before overcoming India’s Tulika Jadgave 2–0 (21–10, 21–7) in the second round. She continued her impressive run by defeating India’s Manasi Girishchandra Joshi 2–0 (21–11, 21–13), setting up a semi-final clash against India’s Shivam Yadav Neeraj, which she won convincingly 2–0 (21–10, 21–11).

An ecstatic Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, lauded Eniola Bolaji’s consistent performance, noting her continued success in putting Nigeria on the global sporting map.

Orbih stated that the African champion consistently demonstrates Nigeria’s ability to compete and excel on the world stage. He remarked, “I am thrilled that Eniola Bolaji was able to compete at the Egypt Para Badminton International and win gold once again. In 2025, she began her journey to greatness with a victory in North Africa and went on to win all but one of the available gold medals.”

He added, “I strongly believe Bolaji will have an exciting year ahead and will continue to bring pride to Nigeria and the Federation.”

Orbih also extended his gratitude to the team’s sponsors, GIG Logistics, and the National Sports Commission for their ongoing support in developing para-badminton. “I want to thank GIG Logistics and the National Sports Commission for their unwavering support. I assure you that Eniola Bolaji will continue to give her best in subsequent tournaments,” he concluded.