History Made: Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji and Chigozie Nnanna Win Medals at World Para-Badminton Championships

In a groundbreaking performance for Africa, Nigerian para-badminton stars Eniola Bolaji and Chigozie Nnanna have struck gold at the 2026 World Para-Badminton Championships in Bahrain, winning medals and etching their names into history.

Eniola Bolaji: First African to World Para-Badminton Final

The reigning African champion, Eniola Bolaji, has advanced to the final of the SL3 women’s singles event after a decisive 2-0 (21-12, 21-16) victory over China’s Gaoying Yuan in the semifinals. This marks the first time an African player has reached the final of the prestigious world championships.

• Road to the final: Bolaji defeated world No. 18 Caitlin Dransfield from Australia 2-0 (21-13, 21-12) in the opening round, followed by a 2-0 (21-3, 21-7) victory over Brazilian Adriane Ávila. She then overcame France’s Milena Surreau 2-0 (21-13, 21-12) before outclassing world No. 5 Halime Yildiz of Turkey 2-0 (21-6, 21-9) in the quarterfinals.
• Final showdown: Bolaji will face Japan’s Shino Kawai in the championship final, daring to become the first African to win a world title in para-badminton.

“I am thrilled that Eniola Bolaji reached her second final in two months. If all goes as planned, Bolaji could claim his second gold medal of the year, a major confidence boost as he continues his journey towards the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.”

Francis Orbih, President of the Nigerian Badminton Federation

Chigozie Nnanna: First African Men’s SL4 Medalist

In the men’s SL4 class, Nigeria’s Chigozie Nnanna produced a historic performance by clinching the bronze medal. He lost his semifinal match to world No. 2 Naveen Sivakumar of India but secured the first-ever medal in the men’s SL4 event for an African player.

Medal Success Reflects Para-Badminton’s Growth in Africa

The remarkable achievements of Bolaji and Nnanna are a testament to the rising prowess of African para-badminton players on the international stage. Their performances follow the successful hosting of the African Para-Badminton Championships in Abia State, Nigeria, last year.

“We have drawn up strategic plans to ensure that more athletes than Bolaji reach the podium… If all goes as planned, Bolaji could claim his second gold medal of the year, a major confidence boost as he continues his journey towards the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics,” said Francis Orbih, President of the Nigerian Badminton Federation, acknowledging the support of the National Sports Commission, Abia State Government, and GIG Logistics in para-badminton’s growth in Nigeria.

Did You Know?

Eniola Bolaji has already made history as the first African to win a para-badminton medal at the Paralympic Games, clinching bronze at the 2024 Summer Paralympics.

Pro Tips

According to Orbih, strategic planning and unwavering support are crucial for the continued growth and success of African para-badminton.

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