In a stunning display of grit, determination, and athletic brilliance, Nigeria’s para-badminton star, Eniola Bolaji, claimed a historic gold medal at the 2025 British and Irish Para-Badminton International — defeating world number one and Tokyo Paralympic silver medalist, Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh of Indonesia, in a thrilling final held on Saturday, July 26, at the Sport Wales National Centre, Cardiff.
Bolaji, who had previously settled for bronze at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, staged a triumphant comeback by toppling the tournament’s top seed in a pulsating 2-1 match (21-16, 16-21, 21-13) on Court 4. Her victory marks a significant milestone not only in her career but also in Nigeria’s growing dominance in para-sports on the global stage.
The match captivated fans from start to finish. Bolaji won the first set with confident strokes and tactical brilliance before dropping the second as Syakuroh clawed back into the contest. However, the Nigerian star found a new gear in the deciding set, overpowering her opponent with relentless precision and court agility, sealing the gold with a commanding 21-13 finish.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) wasted no time in celebrating Bolaji’s achievement. Seyi Johnson, Chief of Staff to the Director General of the NSC, described the victory as a testament to what Nigerian athletes can achieve with the right support and determination.
“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 significance of Bolaji’s victory was heightened by the fact that she had previously lost to Syakuroh in the semifinals of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris — a defeat that fueled her hunger for redemption.
En route to the final, Bolaji delivered a dominant performance against Australia’s Celine Vinot in the semifinals, dispatching her in straight sets (21-4, 21-8), a result that sent a strong signal of her readiness to take on the world’s best.
Observers hailed Bolaji’s mental resilience and technical improvement since Paris, noting her composure under pressure and strategic use of her left-handed play to outmaneuver opponents.
As the Commonwealth Games and the next Paralympic cycle loom, the NSC has charged Bolaji to maintain focus and continue her upward trajectory. “We are proud of her, and this is just the beginning. Let her gold shine as a symbol of hope for all aspiring Nigerian athletes with disabilities,” Johnson concluded.
The win not only cements Bolaji’s place among the sport’s elite but also reinforces Nigeria’s growing influence in the world of para-badminton — proving once again that with the right investment, Nigerian talent can rise to the very top.
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