Nigeria’s para badminton star, Eniola Bolaji, claimed a silver medal at the 2026 British & Irish Para-Badminton International, after finishing runner-up in the women’s SL3 singles event on Sunday, at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena in Dublin.
Bolaji, a Paralympic bronze medallist and World Championship silver medallist, lost a closely contested final 21-18, 23-21 to Japan’s Shino Kawai, who retained her dominance over the Nigerian ace.
Key Highlights:
- Eniola Bolaji won silver at the British & Irish Para-Badminton International.
- She lost the women’s SL3 final to Japan’s Shino Kawai.
- Bolaji reached the final with four straight victories.
- BFN praised her impressive international performance.
- The federation plans a three-month overseas training programme.
- Officials believe more exposure will boost her global success.
The multiple African champion produced an impressive run to the final, defeating India’s Neeraj 21-15, 21-3 and France’s Milena Surreau 21-19, 21-13 in the group stage.
She maintained her excellent form in the knockout rounds, overcoming Türkiye’s Halime Yildiz 21-16, 21-7 in the quarter-finals before cruising past Australia’s Celine Vinot 21-7, 21-9 in the semi-finals.
Reacting to the performance, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, praised Bolaji for another outstanding display on the international stage, expressing confidence that she would soon overcome her Japanese rival.
“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,” Orbih said.
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“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 disclosed that the federation is already making plans to secure an overseas training programme for Bolaji to help her bridge the gap with Kawai, who recently dethroned her as the world’s number one player.
He also acknowledged the support of the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA), Yonex, and GIG Logistics, saying their contributions have played a key role in the athlete’s development.
According to the BFN president, sustained support and greater international exposure will strengthen Bolaji’s chances of winning major global titles in the years ahead.
