Bolaji, Nnanna Make History for Nigeria at Para-Badminton Worlds

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

 

Eniola Bolaji and Chigozie Nnanna delivered historic performances for Nigeria at the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships 2026.

They secured landmark podium finishes and signaled a major breakthrough for African para-badminton.

While Bolaji powered her way into the women’s SL3 final with a commanding semifinal victory, Nnanna claimed a historic bronze medal in the men’s SL4 category, making them the first African players to win medals at the World Championships.

Bolaji Eyes Maiden World Title

The 2024 Summer Paralympics bronze medallist showcased her class once again by defeating China’s Gaoying Yuan 21–12, 21–16 in the semifinal.

Bolaji will now face Japan’s Shino Kawai in the final scheduled for February 14, as the reigning African champion targets her first world title.

Her journey to the final has been nothing short of dominant. She opened with a confident 21–13, 21–12 victory over Australia’s Caitlin Dransfield before dismantling Brazil’s world No. 10 Adriane Ávila 21–3, 21–7.

The Nigerian star maintained her intensity in the knockout rounds, brushing aside France’s Milena Surreau 21–13, 21–12 in the Round of 16 and overpowering Turkey’s world No. 5 Halime Yildiz 21–6, 21–9 in the quarterfinals.

Composed, aggressive, and tactically sharp, Bolaji has emerged as one of the tournament’s standout athletes and now stands just one match away from global glory.

Nnanna Secures Trailblazing Bronze

Nnanna’s bronze-medal finish came after a spirited semifinal contest against India’s world No. 2 Naveen Sivakumar, capping a remarkable run that has firmly placed him among the sport’s rising contenders.

Together, Bolaji and Nnanna have achieved a milestone that underscores Nigeria’s growing presence in international para-badminton and highlights the success of recent development efforts within the sport.

Bolaji had already etched her name into history as the first African to win a para-badminton medal at the Paralympics. Now, she is on the brink of an even greater accomplishment.

Federation Celebrates Athletes’ Feat

President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, praised both athletes for validating the federation’s strategic investment in para-sport.

“I am excited that Eniola Bolaji has reached her second final in two months, and that Chigozie Nnanna has secured his first World Championship medal,” Orbih said.

“There have been deliberate and strategic plans to ensure that more athletes, beyond Bolaji, attain podium success. I am delighted that this vision is becoming a reality.”

He added that a potential gold medal for Bolaji would mark her second of the year and provide strong momentum as she builds toward the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics.

Orbih also commended the National Sports Commission, the Abia State Government, and GIG Logistics for their unwavering support in advancing para-badminton across the country.