Eniola Bolaji Wins Silver at 2026 British & Irish Para-Badminton International in Ireland
Nigeria’s para-badminton star, Mariam Eniola Bolaji, continued her impressive run on the international stage by claiming a silver medal at the 2026 British & Irish Para-Badminton International in Ireland on Sunday.
Bolaji delivered a series of outstanding performances throughout the tournament, demonstrating the skill, resilience and determination that have established her as one of the world’s leading para-badminton players.
The women’s singles SL3 final produced one of the most exciting matches of the competition, with Bolaji pushing Japan’s Shino Kawai all the way in a closely contested encounter. The Nigerian fought valiantly but narrowly missed out on the title, falling 21-18, 23-21 in a thrilling contest decided by the finest of margins.
Despite the narrow defeat, Bolaji’s silver-medal finish further highlights her consistency at the highest level of international para-badminton and strengthens Nigeria’s growing reputation in the sport. Her achievements continue to inspire a new generation of athletes across Nigeria and the African continent.
Reacting to her latest success, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, congratulated Bolaji for her discipline, resilience and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Olopade also commended the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, her coaches, support staff, sponsors and other stakeholders for their collective efforts in supporting the athlete’s continued rise on the global stage.
He reaffirmed the National Sports Commission’s commitment to providing Nigerian athletes with the resources and support required to compete successfully at the highest level, stressing that the Commission remains focused on creating an enabling environment for athletes to consistently achieve podium finishes in international competitions.
