Paralympic medallist Eniola Bolaji leads Nigeria to 2025 Para-Badminton World Championships

Summary: Paralympic bronze medallist and world number two Eniola Bolaji is leading Nigeria’s three-athlete team to the 2025 Para-Badminton World Championships in Bahrain, aiming for podium finishes and crucial ranking points.

Paralympic bronze medallist and world number two, Eniola Bolaji, is leading Nigeria’s three-athlete delegation to the 2025 Para-Badminton World Championships in Bahrain, scheduled to run from February 8 to 14, 2026.

Eniola will spearhead Nigeria’s medal campaign at the global event, returning to international action for the second time this year following her dominant gold-medal performance at the Egypt International Championship in January.

She is joined by Paris 2024 Paralympian Chigozie Jeremiah, who will compete in the men’s SL4 category and Chinyere Okoro, Nigeria’s sole representative in the women’s SL4 event.

Speaking on the team’s participation, Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to inclusive sports development and sustained international exposure for para-athletes.

“Our mandate is clear: to give every Nigerian athlete, including those in para-sports, the opportunity to excel on the world stage. This trip reflects our commitment to structured preparation, athlete welfare, and the long-term growth of para-badminton in Nigeria,” Olopade said.

President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, described the team as competition-ready, citing a rigorous four-week preparation camp held in Abuja.

He also praised the continued support of the National Sports Commission and corporate partners, noting that their backing has enabled Nigerian athletes to remain active in international ranking competitions.

Nigeria’s representatives will target podium finishes and valuable ranking points in Bahrain as they aim to further raise the country’s profile in global para-badminton.