Eniola Bolaji Defeats World Number One to Win 2025 British & Irish Para Badminton International

Nigerian para-badminton star and Paralympic bronze medallist, Eniola Bolaji, has claimed a stunning victory at the 2025 British and Irish Para Badminton International, held at the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff. The world No. 2 put on a remarkable display of resilience and talent, defeating world No. 1 and reigning Paralympic champion Qonitah Syakuroh in a gripping women’s SL3 singles final. The match, held on Saturday, ended in a dramatic three-set showdown.

Bolaji won the first set with ease, 21-16. Syakuroh came back strong in the second game, winning 21–16 to even the score. But Bolaji showed amazing mental and physical strength, as well as amazing skill, as he came back from 11-13 to win 21-13 and win the championship.

This victory signifies a great milestone in Bolaji’s career, not only for the title but as well for overcoming an opponent she had previously lost to in the semifinals of the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. Her performance in Cardiff is being hailed as her biggest international win so far.

Bolaji’s journey through the tournament was as impressive as the final itself. She began her campaign with a commanding 2-0 (21-12, 21-18) win against Australia’s Celine Vinot in Round 2. She then brushed aside world No. 10 Milena Surreau of France in straight sets, 21-8, 21-18. In her next match, Bolaji cruised past India’s Sanjana Kumari 21-5, 21-15, securing a place in the semifinals.

In a twist of the draw, Bolaji faced Celine Vinot again in the semifinal stage. This time, she delivered an even more dominant performance, defeating the Australian 21-4, 21-8 to gain her position in the final.

President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, expressed his joy at Bolaji’s triumph, calling it a symbol of dedication, growth, and resilience.

“I am thrilled by this win,” Orbih said. “Eniola just defeated the world number one—an opponent she lost to at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. This is a major sign of progress, and we are confident she will continue to rise.”

He also praised Bolaji for making Nigeria and the African continent proud on the global stage. “Her improvement is obvious, and with support from the BFN, Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA), and the National Sports Commission, she is on track to achieve even more. Her name is becoming synonymous with excellence in para badminton.”

Bolaji’s victory is not only a personal achievement but also a historic moment for Nigerian sports. As preparations begin for the next Paralympic Games, her performance in Cardiff sends a strong message: she is ready to compete—and win—against the very best in the world.