Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji won a silver medal at the 2026 British & Irish Para Badminton International on Sunday in Dublin, Ireland.
The Paralympic bronze medalist and World Championships silver medalist lost 2-0, 21-18, 23-21, to Japan’s Shino Kawai in the women’s SL3 singles final at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena.
Bolaji enjoyed an impressive run to the final, recording straight-game victories over India’s Neeraj, 21-15, 21-3, and France’s Milena Surreau, 21-19, 21-13, during the group stage.
The multiple African champions continued her dominant form by defeating Türkiye’s Halime Yildiz 21-16, 21-7 in the quarterfinals before cruising past Australia’s Celine Vinot 21-7, 21-9 in the semi-finals.
However, Kawai proved too strong in the final, denying the Nigerian the opportunity to successfully defend the title she won in 2025.
Despite the defeat, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, praised Bolaji for another outstanding performance on the international stage.
Orbih described her display in Dublin as “fantastic” and expressed confidence that the Nigerian star has what it takes to overcome Kawai in future competitions.
Also Read: Amusan claims 100m hurdles title in Paris
He revealed that the federation is already working on plans to secure an overseas training programme aimed at helping Bolaji close the gap on Kawai, who dethroned her as the world No. 1.
“It was a fantastic performance, and I am very happy with what Eniola achieved. I am motivated to intensify efforts to ensure she trains outside the country because it is only a matter of time before she starts beating the Japanese player, Shino Kawai.
“I have congratulated her for setting the tone once again, and we are looking forward to arranging a three-month training tour abroad to further improve her game.”
Orbih also commended the support received from the National Sports Commission and the Badminton Confederation Africa, while acknowledging the sponsorship of Yonex and GIG Logistics in Bolaji’s development.
He expressed optimism that, with sustained support and increased international exposure, Bolaji will continue to challenge for major titles ahead of future global competitions.
PUNCH
