Bolaji Wins Silver, Nnanna Claims Bronze at Para-Badminton World Championship

Eniola Bolaji, Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medallist, has added a silver medal to her growing collection after a impressive run at the 2026 Para-Badminton World Championship in Bahrain.

The Nigerian star fought hard in the women’s SL3 final on Saturday but was edged out by Japan’s Shino Kawai, settling for second place in what is her first-ever World Championship podium finish.

Despite the final result, Bolaji’s performance throughout the tournament was outstanding. The reigning African champion powered into the final with a dominant semi-final victory over China’s Gaoying Yuan, winning 21-12, 21-16 at the New Capital Indoor Hall.

Throughout the competition, the Nigerian showcased remarkable consistency, recording straight-set victories over Australia’s Caitlin Dransfield, Brazil’s Adriane Ávila, France’s Milena Surreau, and Turkey’s world number five Halime Yildiz.

Historic Feat for Nigeria

Nigeria also celebrated another milestone as Chigozie Nnanna secured a bronze medal in the men’s SL4 category, becoming the first African male athlete to medal at the Para-Badminton World Championship.

With Bolaji’s silver and Nnanna’s bronze, Nigeria has firmly etched its name into global para-badminton history, as both athletes became the first Africans to win medals at the World Championship level.

Bolaji had earlier made history at the 2024 Summer Paralympics, becoming the first African to win a para-badminton medal at the Games after clinching bronze in Paris.