By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Nigeria’s Paralympic bronze medallist, Eniola Bolaji, has clinched gold in the Women’s SL3 category at the 2026 Peru Para Badminton International.
The world number two delivered a dominant performance, defeating Brazil’s Kauana Beckenkamp 2-0 (21-12, 21-12) in Sunday’s final to complete an unbeaten run through the tournament.
Bolaji began her campaign with a 2-0 (21-7, 21-6) victory over Brazil’s Maria Da Silva Abinaecia before dismantling Croatia’s Gabriela Montero 2-0 (21-2, 21-1) in the second round.
The multiple African Champion continued her impressive run in the semi-final, cruising past Mexico’s Maria Rojas Peres 2-0 (21-6, 21-9), before sealing the title against Beckenkamp.
Reacting to the victory, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, praised Bolaji for her strong response following her performance at the British and Irish International in June.
Orbih said the triumph underlined Bolaji’s consistency, resilience and determination to overcome setbacks.
He described the Peru International as an important part of the Nigerian para-badminton star’s preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, adding that her performance was encouraging as the build-up continues.
The federation president also acknowledged the contributions of GIG Logistics, Yonex and the National Sports Commission to Bolaji’s development and success.
Bolaji’s emphatic victory in Peru further strengthens her status as one of Nigeria’s leading para-badminton stars and provides a major boost to her preparations for the 2028 Paralympic Games.
