Bolaji Strikes Gold As Nigeria Shines At Peru Badminton International

Bolaji Strikes Gold As Nigeria Shines At Peru Badminton International

By Our Reporter 

Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji has won the women’s SL3 title at the 2026 Peru Para Badminton International after a dominant run through the tournament, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Paralympic Games bronze medallist defeated Brazil’s Kauana Beckenkamp 21-12, 21-12 in the final on Sunday to secure the gold medal.

Ranked world No. 2, Bolaji was in commanding form throughout the competition. She opened her campaign with a 21-7, 21-6 victory over Brazil’s Maria Da Silva Abinaecia before dispatching Croatia’s Gabriela Montero 21-2, 21-1 in the second round.

The multiple African champion continued her impressive run in the semi-finals, defeating Mexico’s Maria Rojas Peres 21-6, 21-9 to book her place in the final, where she completed her title-winning campaign against Beckenkamp.

Reacting to Bolaji’s triumph, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, praised the player for responding strongly after her performance at the British and Irish International in June.

Orbih said the victory underscored Bolaji’s consistency, resilience and determination to overcome setbacks.

“This performance has once again proven Eniola’s consistency and her ability to overcome challenges. She has shown great character and determination to bounce back strongly.”

He added that the Peru International forms part of Bolaji’s preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.

“The Peru International is part of our build-up to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, and performances like this are very encouraging as we continue with the preparations.”

Orbih also commended GIG Logistics, Yonex and the National Sports Commission for their contributions to Bolaji’s development and continued success.

“We appreciate the immense contributions of GIG Logistics, Yonex and the National Sports Commission to Eniola’s progression. Their support has been invaluable to her development and success.”

Bolaji’s victory in Peru further strengthens her status as one of Nigeria’s leading para-badminton athletes as she continues her preparations towards the 2028 Paralympic Games.