Sports
Para-Badminton: Bolaji Storms Into Final, Nnanna Claims Historic Bronze at World Championship in Bahrain
Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji has advanced to the final of the 2026 Para-Badminton World Championship in Bahrain after a commanding semifinal victory on Friday, February 13.
The reigning African champion defeated China’s Gaoying Yuan in straight sets, 21–12, 21–16, in the women’s SL3 semifinal at the New Capital Indoor Hall.
Bolaji will now face Japan’s Shino Kawai in the final scheduled for February 14, as she aims to secure her first world title.
The Nigerian star has been in imperious form throughout the tournament. She opened her campaign with a dominant 2–0 (21–13, 21–12) win over Australia’s Caitlin Dransfield, currently ranked world No. 18. She followed this with a crushing 2–0 (21–3, 21–7) victory against Brazil’s world No. 10 Adriane Ávila.
In the Round of 16, Bolaji comfortably dispatched France’s Milena Surreau 21–13, 21–12, before overcoming Turkey’s world No. 5 Halime Yildiz 21-6, 21-9 in a hard-fought quarterfinal clash to book her place in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Chigozie Nnanna delivered a historic performance in the men’s SL4 event, securing a bronze medal after a semifinal defeat to India’s world No. 2 Naveen Sivakumar.
With their podium finishes, Bolaji and Nnanna have become the first African players to win medals at the Para-Badminton World Championship — a landmark achievement for Nigeria and the continent.
Bolaji had earlier etched her name in history as the first African to win a para-badminton medal at the Paralympic Games, claiming bronze at the 2024 Summer Paralympics.
Reacting to the athletes’ performances, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, expressed pride in their achievements.
“I am excited that Eniola Bolaji has reached her second final in two months, and that Chigozie Nnanna has secured his first World Championship medal,” Orbih said.
“There have been deliberate and strategic plans to ensure that more athletes, beyond Bolaji, attain podium success. I am delighted that this vision is becoming a reality, particularly following our successful hosting of the African Para-Badminton Championships in Abia State last year.
“If all goes as planned, Bolaji could claim her second gold medal of the year, a major confidence boost as she continues her journey toward the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.”
Orbih also commended the National Sports Commission, the Abia State Government, and GIG Logistics for their unwavering support toward the growth of para-badminton in Nigeria.
Sports
NSC DG, Hon. Bukola Olopade Wins Sports Administrator of the Year at New Telegraph Awards
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has been honoured with the prestigious Sports Administrator of the Year award at the New Telegraph Awards, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to sports development in Nigeria.
The award, which took place on Friday, celebrated Olopade’s transformative leadership, administrative excellence and longstanding commitment to building sustainable sports structures across the country.
A seasoned sports administrator, Olopade has served twice as Commissioner for Sports in Ogun State, where he spearheaded progressive reforms and talent development initiatives. His leadership footprint also spans multiple strategic roles within Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.
He is a former President of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, where he championed inclusivity and the advancement of para-sports.
He also served as Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria National League (NNL), strengthening operational efficiency and league management structures.
In the private sector, Hon. Olopade was Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, playing a key role in delivering internationally recognised sporting events and elevating Nigeria’s profile in global road racing.
Under his current role at the National Sports Commission, in conjunction with the chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Nigerian sports has witnessed renewed hope, improved coordination and enhanced stakeholder confidence.
The New Telegraph Award further affirms his impact-driven leadership and dedication to repositioning Nigerian sports on both continental and global stages.
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