Eniola Bolaji Secures Second Gold Medal of 2025, Claims Third Spanish Para-Badminton Title

Paralympics bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji triumphed over Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna 21-9, 21-9 to win Gold in the Spanish para-badminton international Championship II WS SL3 final on Sunday, March 9,2025.

The 19-year-old teenage sensation won her third Spanish para-badminton international Championship title, having won in 2021 and 2024. She had a stellar outing in the 2025 edition, as she emerged victorious dominantly against all five opponents she faced and did not drop a set while at it.

Eniola had earlier begun the year with gold at the Egypt Para-badminton International, where she equally dominated. She defeated Sweden’s Hillevi Salomonsson 2-0 (21-1, 21-2) in the women’s SL3 final, underscoring her dominance in the event.

In 2024, Bolaji made history as the first African athlete to win a badminton medal at the Paralympic Games.

Road to Gold.

Eniola Bolaji’s Spanish para-badminton international run began with a 21-15, 21-2 victory against Kauana Michelson in Round two. In Round Three, she got a commanding 21-7, 21-8 win against France’s Coraline Bergeron, and with that, the Paralympian advanced to the Quarters, where she won 21-8, 21-12 against Australia’s Céline Vinot.

Eniola had previously faced Vinot in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games (WS SL3 group B) event on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the La Chapelle Arena Court 3 and just like in the Spanish para-badminton Quater Finals, Eniola was victorious by winning 2-0 (21 – 8, 21-14).

In the Semi final she won 21-12, 21-6, to book a spot in the final against Oksana Kozyna whom she also defeated in the women’s Para badminton SL3 at the Paris 2024 Paralympics 21-9, 21-9 to clinch the historic bronze medal.

The Nigerian Badminton sensation has now stretched her remarkable record to 11 wins from 11 international appearances to further solidify her growing status in the sport.

Bolaji’s gold-winning performance saw accolades from the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko who described her achievement as an inspiration to the next generation of athletes.

“Eniola Bolaji’s triumph is a proud moment for Nigerian sports. Her dedication, resilience, and exceptional talent continue to inspire the next generation of athletes.

“The National Sports Commission remains committed to supporting para-athletes and ensuring they have the resources to succeed on the global stage.”

On the other hand, NSC Director General Bukola Olopade praised the Badminton Federation of Nigeria for its commitment to excellence and player development.

“The consistent success of our para-badminton players, led by Eniola Bolaji, underscores the impact of strategic investment in sports development. We applaud the Federation’s efforts and assure them of the Commission’s unwavering support in creating more opportunities for athletes to shine internationally.”

President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, was also full of praise for Bolaji’s remarkable achievement, noting that the gold marks her second in just two months, as he thanked the National Sports Commission for their timely intervention, which has been crucial in aiding the federation’s growth.