Para Badminton: Nigeria’s Bolaji strikes gold in Egypt

Africa’s number one para badminton player, Eniola Bolaji, has emerged champion of the 2026 Egypt International Championship.

The Paralympic bronze medallist defeated world number seven, Halime Yildiz of Turkey 2-0 (21-10, 21-4) at the New Capital Indoor Hall in Cairo.

Bolaji began her campaign with a commanding 2–0 (21–9, 21–10) victory over Yildiz in the opening round before overcoming India’s Tulika Jadgave 2–0 (21–10, 21–7) in the second round.

The world number two continued her dominant run by beating India’s Manasi Girishchandra Joshi 2–0 (21–11, 21–13) to set up a semifinal clash against India’s Shivam Yadav Neeraj, which she won convincingly 2–0 (21–10, 21–11).

Eniola Bolaji wins British, Irish Para Badminton Int’l 2025

President, Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, commended Bolaji’s consistency, saying the African champion has repeatedly shown that Nigeria can compete and dominate on the world stage through her impressive performances.

“I am excited 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 the available gold medals except one.

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

The BFN boss also commended the team’s sponsors and the National Sports Commission (NSC) for their continued support in the development of 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 added.