The first Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, has congratulated Nigeria’s para-badminton star, Eniola Mariam Bolaji, on her historic gold medal win at the Spanish Para-Badminton International 2025 in Toledo, Spain.
Mogaji made the congratulatory statement in an exclusive interview with Pristinegist Media today 16th of March 2025 as the news of the victory circulate in Nigeria.
Bolaji, who is currently ranked World No. 2, defeated Turkey’s Halime Yildiz in straight sets 21-7, 21-10 to clinch her second gold medal in two weeks, having also emerged champion at the Spanish Para-Badminton International II in Vitoria last week. Her performance in Spain has further cemented her dominance in the SL3 category, setting a new African record in the process.
Mallam Mogaji, in his congratulatory message, described Bolaji’s victory as a monumental achievement that has once again placed Nigeria on the world map in para-badminton.
“On behalf of the Kwara State Sports Commission and the entire sports community in Nigeria, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Eniola Mariam Bolaji on her outstanding performance in Spain. Winning two gold medals in two weeks and setting a new African record is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and hard work,” Mogaji stated.
He emphasized that Bolaji’s success reflects the immense potential in Nigerian sports, particularly in para-sports, and serves as an inspiration to young athletes across the country.
“This achievement is a source of pride not only for Kwara State but for Nigeria as a whole. It underscores the need for continued investment in para-sports and the development of young talents. We are proud of Eniola’s journey, and as a state, we will continue to support and celebrate our athletes who bring glory to the nation.”
Bolaji’s path to gold in Toledo, Spain, was nothing short of dominant. She began her campaign by defeating India’s Sanjana Kumari 21-15, 21-8 in the second round, followed by another commanding 2-0 (21-9, 21-12) victory over Turkey’s Halime Yildiz in the third round. In the semifinals, she dispatched Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyba 21-16, 21-4, before sealing the championship with a decisive win over Yildiz in the final.
Her victory in Toledo follows her gold medal triumph at the Spanish Para-Badminton International II in Vitoria, where she also showcased her world-class skills.
Bolaji’s latest achievement has been met with widespread celebration across Nigeria’s sporting community. The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), the Nigeria Paralympic Committee, and other sports stakeholders have lauded her for continuously raising the country’s flag high on the international stage.
As Nigeria’s first Paralympic medalist in para-badminton, Bolaji continues to break barriers and redefine the limits of the sport in Africa.
With her sights now set on future global competitions, including the 2025 World Championships, Bolaji remains a beacon of hope and excellence for Nigerian sports.
