Eniola Bolaji has won the 2025 British and Irish Para Badminton International, defeating world number 1 Qonitah Syakuroh in a thrilling final at the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff.
The world No. 2 claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory (21-16, 16-21, 21-13) over the Paralympic champion and world No. 1 in the women’s SL3 final to secure her biggest international title to date.
Bolaji started strong, taking the first set 21-16, but Syakuroh responded with a 21-16 win in the second. In a tense third set, Syakuroh led until 13 points before Bolaji surged ahead from 11 to win 21-13 and clinch the title.
The victory is particularly significant as Bolaji had previously lost to the Indonesian in the semi-finals of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Her campaign began with a 2-0 (21-12, 21-18) win over Australia’s Celine Vinot in Round 2. She then defeated world No. 10 Milena Surreau of France 2-0 (21-8, 21-18), followed by another dominant 2-0 (21-5, 21-15) win over India’s Sanjana Kumari.
In the semi-finals, Bolaji faced Vinot again and delivered an emphatic 2-0 (21-4, 21-8) victory to advance to the final.
President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, described Bolaji’s victory at the 2025 British And Irish Para Badminton International as a testament to her hard work and perseverance.
In his words:
“I am excited with this victory because she just defeated the world number one, whom she lost to in the semi-finals of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Bolaji has shown significant improvement, and we hope she maintains this momentum heading into the next Paralympic Games. BFN, BCA and the National Sports Commission are proud of her continuous efforts in putting Nigeria and Africa on the global badminton map.”
The National Sports Commission has also congratulated Bolaji on her gold medal triumph, with Seyi Johnson, Chief of Staff to the Director General, stating:
“This gold medal is a reflection of what is possible when talent meets opportunity. We thank the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for providing an inclusive and enabling platform where all sports, especially para-sports, can thrive, receive adequate funding, and compete at the highest international level.
The NSC is charging Bolaji to stay focused and build on this momentum as she prepares for the Commonwealth Games and the Paralympics.”
