Nigeria's sporting year has begun on a golden note, courtesy of para badminton sensation Eniola Bolaji. The world number two has secured the nation's first gold medal of the 2026 calendar, successfully defending her title at the prestigious Egypt Para Badminton International Championship in Cairo.
A Dominant Campaign in Cairo
The 20-year-old champion put on a masterclass of skill and determination at the New Capital Indoor Hall. On Sunday, January 18, Bolaji faced world number seven Halime Yildiz of Turkey in the women's SL3 final. The Nigerian star was in imperious form, dismantling her opponent with a decisive 2-0 victory (21-10, 21-4) to claim the top spot on the podium.
Her path to gold was marked by sheer dominance. Bolaji kickstarted her tournament with a first-round win over the same Yildiz, followed by a commanding performance against India's Tulika Jadgave. She continued her winning streak by defeating another Indian contender, Manasi Girishchandra Joshi, in the third round. A convincing semifinal victory over India's Shivam Yadav Neeraj set the stage for her golden finish.
National Officials Hail Historic Win
The President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, was quick to celebrate the achievement. He described Bolaji's win as a significant morale booster for the country, coming just a day after the Super Eagles secured bronze at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
"I am excited that Eniola Bolaji won a gold for Nigeria," Orbih stated. "This means the young girl is the first athlete to win gold for Nigeria in 2026. I am confident that with the necessary support, Bolaji will continue to make Nigeria proud and put us on the map of the world." Orbih, who also serves on the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) council, used the opportunity to call for increased support for para sports from philanthropists.
Eyes Set on Paralympic Glory
Bolaji's coach, Kayode Mope of the Kwara State Badminton Association, believes this victory is a stepping stone to greater heights. He highlighted her narrow miss for gold at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, where she won bronze, and expressed strong belief in her potential for the 2028 Summer Paralympics.
"Eniola Bolaji narrowly missed out on the gold medal at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris but with her current form has shown that she is primed for a gold medal," Mope said in an exclusive interview. He urged the National Sports Commission to collaborate closely with the BFN to ensure Bolaji, whom he called the poster girl of Nigerian badminton, does not miss any crucial international competitions in her build-up to 2028.
This triumphant start to 2026 adds another glittering chapter to Bolaji's career, which includes multiple national championship titles and her status as Africa's number one in her category. The nation now watches with anticipation as this exceptional athlete continues to soar.
