The National Sports Commission (NSC) has congratulated Eniola Bolaji on her remarkable gold medal triumph at the 2025 British and Irish Para-Badminton International.
The 2024 Paralympic Games bronze medalist displayed exceptional determination and skill in the final of the women’s SL3 category, defeating world No. 1 Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh of Indonesia at the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff yesterday.
The Nigerian international won the thrilling match 2-1 (21-16, 16-21, 21-13) on Court 4.
Reacting to her victory, Seyi Johnson, Chief of Staff to the Director General of the National Sports Commission, praised Bolaji’s achievement and the leadership of the NSC for their support of para-athletes and other developing sports.
“This gold medal is a reflection of what is possible when talent meets opportunity. We thank the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for providing an inclusive and enabling platform where all sports, especially para-sports, can thrive, receive adequate funding, and compete at the highest international level,” Johnson said.
The victory is particularly significant, as Bolaji had previously lost to Syakuroh in the semi-finals of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Prior to the final, Bolaji advanced past Australia’s Celine Vinot with a dominant 21-4, 21-8 victory in the semi-finals, underscoring her readiness for greater international challenges ahead.
“The NSC encourages Bolaji to stay focused and build on this momentum as she prepares for the Commonwealth Games and the Paralympics,” Johnson concluded.
