Eniola Bolaji, a Nigerian para-badminton star, won gold at the Spanish Para Badminton International 2025 in Toledo, marking her third gold medal of 2025. Bolaji secured her victory over Turkey’s Halime Yildiz with a 2-0 win in the final. Her achievements are celebrated by the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, and Bolaji aims to compete in more tournaments this year, being the first African to win a badminton medal at the Olympics or Paralympics.
Eniola Bolaji, Nigeria’s para-badminton star and world number two, continued her remarkable success by winning another gold medal in Spain shortly after her triumph at the 2025 Spanish Para Badminton International II in Vitoria. The 19-year-old athlete dominated her final match against Turkey’s Halime Yildiz, securing a convincing 2-0 victory with set scores of 21-7 and 21-10 at the Spanish Para Badminton International 2025 held in Toledo on Sunday. This victory is Bolaji’s third gold medal of the year, affirming her dominance in the SL3 category as she achieved back-to-back titles in Spain within a two-week period.
Bolaji commenced her path to victory with a strong performance, defeating India’s Sanjana Kumari in the second round with a score of 21-15 and 21-8. She continued her success in the next round, once again besting Yildiz with scores of 21-9 and 21-12. In the semi-final, she demonstrated her skill and superiority with a significant 2-0 win over Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyba, setting up a rematch with Yildiz for the final. Bolaji cemented her win by overwhelming her opponent with final scores of 21-7 and 21-10 to claim yet another gold medal on the international stage.
The president of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, praised Bolaji for her exceptional performance and dedication to the sport. He stated, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Eniola Bolaji on her incredible achievement of winning her 12th gold medal in as many international tournaments.” He emphasized that this achievement reflects her consistency and resilience. Orbih noted, “Bolaji has not only made Nigeria proud but has also firmly stamped her authority in the world of para badminton. Her journey continues to inspire many, and we at the Badminton Federation of Nigeria remain committed to supporting her as she reaches even greater heights.”
In addition to her recent successes, Bolaji has expressed her aspirations for the year ahead. Earlier this month, she disclosed her desire to participate in more tournaments as she aims to enhance her visibility and impact within the sport. “Last year, I promised myself to do more than I had ever done. The time is now, let us rise and cheerfully bring the victory home,” she conveyed in a post on X. Bolaji’s achievements have made her a trailblazer for Nigerian badminton, as she is recognized as the first and only African to secure a badminton medal at the Olympics or Paralympics.
In conclusion, Eniola Bolaji’s exceptional performance in Spain further solidifies her position as a leading figure in para-badminton. With her recent victories, she underscores her consistent excellence and dedication to the sport, inspiring many in Nigeria and beyond. The support from the Badminton Federation of Nigeria highlights the importance of fostering such talent, as Bolaji continues to aspire for greater achievements throughout 2025.
Original Source: www.brila.net
