Eniola Bolaji Claims British & Irish Para Badminton Silver, Targets Return To World No. 1

Nigeria’s para badminton star Eniola Bolaji continued her impressive rise on the international stage by winning the silver medal in the women’s SL3 singles at the 2026 British & Irish Para Badminton International in Dublin, Ireland.

The Paralympic bronze medallist and World Championship silver medallist finished runner-up after a hard-fought 21-18, 23-21 defeat to Japan’s Shino Kawai in Sunday’s final at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena.

Despite falling just short of the title, Bolaji produced another outstanding performance throughout the tournament, underlining her status as one of the world’s leading para badminton players.

The multiple African champion began her campaign with commanding straight-games victories over India’s Neeraj (21-15, 21-3) and France’s Milena Surreau (21-19, 21-13) in the group stage to qualify for the knockout rounds.

She maintained her dominant form in the quarter-finals, overcoming Türkiye’s Halime Yildiz 21-16, 21-7 before delivering one of her most emphatic displays of the tournament with a 21-7, 21-9 victory over Australia’s Celine Vinot in the semi-finals.

Although she was edged out by Kawai in a closely contested final, Bolaji’s silver medal adds another significant achievement to an already distinguished international career.

Reacting to the performance, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, hailed Bolaji for once again flying Nigeria’s flag with distinction on the global stage.

“It was a fantastic performance and I am delighted with what Eniola achieved,” Orbih said.

“I am even more motivated to intensify our efforts to ensure she trains outside the country because it is only a matter of time before she starts beating the Japanese player, Shino Kawai.

“I have congratulated her for setting the standard once again, and we are looking forward to arranging a three-month overseas training programme to further improve her game.”

Orbih disclosed that the federation is already working on plans to secure an international training tour aimed at helping Bolaji regain the world No. 1 ranking after being overtaken by Kawai.

He also acknowledged the support of the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA), as well as sponsors Yonex and GIG Logistics, whose contributions, he said, have been instrumental in the athlete’s continued development.

With another podium finish on the international circuit, Bolaji has reinforced her credentials as one of Africa’s finest para badminton players and a strong contender for major honours in the build-up to future global championships and the next Paralympic Games.