World number two SL3 para-badminton player and Paralympic bronze medallist, Eniola Bolaji has departed Nigeria for the Para-Badminton World Championship in Bahrain, alongside fellow national representatives Chigozie Jeremiah and Chinyere Okoro.
The championship is scheduled to take place from February 8 to 14, with Nigeria fielding three athletes across different classifications.
Bolaji, Africa’s top-ranked para-badminton player, will be making her second international appearance of the year, following a dominant outing at the Egypt International Championship in January, where she claimed gold.
Nigeria will also be represented by 2024 Paralympian Chigozie Jeremiah in the men’s SL4 category, while Chinyere Okoro will compete in the women’s SL4 event, flying the country’s flag as its sole representative in the category.
Orbih Confident of Strong Nigerian Showing
Speaking after the team’s departure, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, shared his confidence in the athletes’ preparation and readiness to compete at the highest level.
According to Orbih, the players underwent a month-long intensive training camp in Abuja, designed to prepare them for the demands of elite international competition.
“Nigeria’s para-badminton players are once again ready to represent the country on the world stage,” Orbih said.
“The athletes have shown great dedication and commitment during the camping exercise in Abuja.”
“Eniola Bolaji is currently in the best form of her career after her victory at the Egypt International Championship, while Chigozie Jeremiah and Chinyere Okoro are well prepared and motivated to win laurels for the nation.”
Orbih also acknowledged the role of institutional and corporate backing, commending the National Sports Commission and partners for their continued support in enabling Nigeria’s participation in major international ranking tournaments.
Eniola Bolaji Wins Gold in Para-Badminton, Egypt
Bolaji heads into the Bahrain championship in high spirits after winning gold at the Egypt International Para-Badminton Championship, held on January 18 at the New Capital Indoor Hall in Cairo.
The Nigerian star defeated world No. 7 Halime Yildiz of Turkey 2–0 (21–10, 21–4) in the final, capping a flawless run through the tournament.
Her campaign included straight-game victories over Yildiz in the opening round, India’s Tulika Jadgave, Manasi Girishchandra Joshi, and Shivam Yadav Neeraj in the semi-finals.
Reacting to the victory, Orbih praised Bolaji’s consistency and impact:
“I am excited that Eniola Bolaji was able to compete at the Egypt Para-Badminton International and win gold once again.”
“I strongly believe Bolaji will have an exciting year ahead and will continue to bring pride to Nigeria and the Federation.”
