Nigerian para-badminton athlete Eniola Bolaji, ranked world number two, secured gold in Spain at the 2025 Spanish Para Badminton International II, defeating Turkey’s Halime Yildiz. This victory marks her third gold in 2025 and emphasizes her dominance in the SL3 category. President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, praised her consistency, highlighting her achievements and dedication to the sport.
Eniola Bolaji, a prominent para-badminton athlete from Nigeria and currently ranked second in the world, has once again triumphed in Spain. She recently secured gold at the 2025 Spanish Para Badminton International II held in Vitoria, following her outstanding performance at the Spanish Para Badminton International 2025 in Toledo. The 19-year-old athlete showcased her skill by defeating Turkey’s Halime Yildiz in the women’s SL3 final with a final score of 2-0 (21-7, 21-10).
This victory marks Bolaji’s third gold medal in 2025, highlighting not only her exceptional talent but also her capability to dominate in the SL3 category. Bolaji has achieved impressive back-to-back titles in Spain within two weeks. Her path to victory commenced with a strong second-round performance against India’s Sanjana Kumari, winning in straight sets (21-15, 21-8). She continued her success with another emphatic victory over Yildiz in the third round (21-9, 21-12).
In the semi-finals, Bolaji displayed remarkable prowess with a decisive 2-0 (21-16, 21-4) victory against Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyba, setting the stage for a rematch with Yildiz. The final confirmed her dominance as she decisively defeated her opponent, clinching another gold medal. The president of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, commended Bolaji on her success, pointing out her consistency and dedication. He remarked on her achievement, stating, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Eniola Bolaji on her incredible achievement of winning her 12th gold medal in as many international tournaments.”
Orbih further emphasized the significance of her accomplishments in showcasing her reputation within para badminton. Bolaji also expressed her ambitions for 2025, stating her intention to participate in more tournaments this year. She remarked, “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.” As the first and only African to win a badminton medal at the Olympic or Paralympic Games, Bolaji continues to be an inspirational figure for Nigerian badminton.
Eniola Bolaji’s recent achievements in Spain solidify her position as a leading athlete in para-badminton. Her dedication and success are not just personal victories; they elevate Nigeria’s presence on the international sports stage. As she aims for more tournaments in 2025, Bolaji remains an emblem of perseverance and inspiration in her sport.
Original Source: www.brila.net
