Nigeria’s Paralympic bronze medallist, Eniola Bolaji, has advanced to the finals of the 1st Abia Para Badminton International Tournament currently ongoing at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.
Bolaji displayed outstanding form as she defeated Cameroon’s Danyele Mouafo 2-0 (21-7, 21-3) in the women’s singles SL3 semi-final on Saturday. The Nigerian athlete, who is currently ranked second in the world in the SL3 category by the Para World Badminton Federation, will now aim to clinch gold in Sunday’s final.
In another impressive performance, Chigozie Nnanna also booked his spot in the final after defeating India’s Kuldeep Mahkul 2-0 (21-8, 21-16) in the men’s singles SL4 category.
Nnanna later teamed up with Obinna Nwosu to overpower India’s Nilesh Gaikwad and Hemant 2-0 (21-12, 21-6) in the men’s doubles SL3-SL4 event.
Other notable victories came from Brazil’s Ana Reis and Mikaela Almeida, who both secured straight-set wins in their respective women’s singles categories.
The championship, featuring 114 players from 13 countries — including Brazil, India, Egypt, Tunisia, Cameroon, and host nation Nigeria — has produced 38 thrilling matches across 19 events so far. The finals are scheduled for Sunday.
