Eniola Bolaji, world number two in para-badminton, secured another gold medal in Spain, defeating Turkey’s Halime Yildiz 2-0. This victory at the 2025 Spanish Para Badminton International II follows her recent win in Vitoria and marks her third gold of the year. Bolaji’s remarkable achievements have been praised by the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, and she aims to compete more in 2025 as a trailblazer for Nigerian badminton.
Eniola Bolaji, Nigeria’s para-badminton star and current world number two, has achieved another impressive victory in Spain, winning gold at the 2025 Spanish Para Badminton International II in Vitoria just days ago. This 19-year-old athlete triumphed in the final match against Turkey’s Halime Yildiz at the Spanish Para Badminton International 2025 in Toledo, securing a decisive 2-0 victory with scores of 21-7 and 21-10.
This accomplishment marks Bolaji’s third gold medal of the year, underscoring her outstanding performance in the SL3 category and demonstrating her ability to secure back-to-back titles within a mere two weeks in Spain. Her journey to this title included a dominant second-round victory against India’s Sanjana Kumari with scores of 21-15 and 21-8, followed by another win against Yildiz in the third round (21-9, 21-12).
In the semi-final, Bolaji exhibited her exceptional skills with a convincing straight-sets win over Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyba, ending the match with scores of 21-16 and 21-4. This paved the way for her rematch with Yildiz in the final, where she decisively clinched the championship with a score of 21-7, 21-10, further solidifying her status on the international stage.
Francis Orbih, the president of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, expressed his admiration for Bolaji’s achievements, commending her remarkable consistency and commitment. He stated, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Eniola Bolaji on her incredible achievement of winning her 12th gold medal in as many international tournaments. This remarkable feat is a testament to her consistency, resilience, and unwavering dedication to excellence. Bolaji has not only made Nigeria proud but has also firmly stamped her authority in the world of para-badminton. Her journey continues to inspire many, and we at the Badminton Federation of Nigeria remain committed to supporting her as she reaches even greater heights.”
Bolaji has expressed her ambitions for 2025, conveying her intention to participate in more competitions throughout the year as she aims to further her success in the sport. “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,” she proclaimed in a post on X. Bolaji stands as a pathfinder for Nigerian badminton, being the first and only African athlete to secure a badminton medal at either the Olympics or Paralympics.
Eniola Bolaji’s recent victories in Spain highlight her exceptional talent and unwavering determination in para-badminton. With three gold medals in 2025 and continued support from the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, she is poised to achieve even greater milestones. Her resilience sets a powerful example for aspiring athletes, not only in Nigeria but across Africa as she continues to elevate the profile of para-badminton on the global stage.
Original Source: www.brila.net
