Nigerian para badminton player Eniola Bolaji competes during the British and Irish Para Badminton International in Dublin, Ireland.
Para badminton star, Eniola Bolaji, won a silver medal at the 2026 British and Irish Para Badminton International in Dublin, Ireland, further strengthening her position among the world’s leading athletes in the sport.
The Paralympic bronze medallist finished second in the SL3 women’s singles event after losing 21-18, 23-21 to Japan’s Shino Kawai in a closely contested final at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena.
Bolaji reached the final after an impressive run throughout the tournament. She defeated India’s Neeraj and France’s Milena Surreau in the group stage before overcoming Türkiye’s Halime Yildiz in the quarter-finals.
The Nigerian continued her strong form in the semi-finals, defeating Australia’s Celine Vinot in straight sets to book her place in the final.
Despite missing out on the title, the result represents another significant achievement for the multiple African champion, who continues to raise Nigeria’s profile in para badminton.
President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, praised Bolaji’s performance and disclosed plans to secure overseas training opportunities to improve her competitiveness at the highest level.
Orbih said increased international exposure would help the Nigerian star challenge for the world number one ranking and strengthen her chances in future competitions.
He also acknowledged the support of the National Sports Commission, the Badminton Confederation Africa, Yonex and GIG Logistics for contributing to the athlete’s development.
Bolaji’s latest success highlights the growing importance of sustained investment in para sports and reinforces Nigeria’s potential to compete for honours on the global stage
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