Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji has added another international title to her growing list of achievements after winning the Women’s SL3 category at the 2026 Peru Para Badminton International in Lima.
The Paralympic Games bronze medallist defeated Brazil’s Kauana Beckenkamp 21-12, 21-12 in the final on Sunday, August 9, completing a dominant tournament without dropping a single game.
For Bolaji, the victory is another strong statement from one of Nigeria’s leading para-badminton athletes as she continues building towards the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
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Bolaji Cruises Through Peru Competition
The world number two was in commanding form from the opening round, defeating Brazil’s Maria Da Silva Abinaecia 21-7, 21-6 to begin her campaign.
She followed that performance with an even more emphatic victory over Croatia’s Gabriela Montero in the second round. Bolaji won 21-2, 21-1, giving her opponent little room to mount a challenge.
The multiple African champion maintained her momentum in the semi-final, where she defeated Mexico’s Maria Rojas Peres 21-6, 21-9.
That set up a final against Beckenkamp, but the Brazilian was unable to stop Bolaji’s run. The Nigerian secured the title with another straight-games victory, winning both games 21-12.
Her performances across the competition highlighted her consistency and control, with Bolaji taking every match in straight games on her way to the gold medal.
Another Step Towards Los Angeles 2028
Bolaji’s latest triumph comes after a silver-medal finish at the British & Irish Para-Badminton International in June. Her return to the top of the podium in Peru has therefore provided an encouraging response as she continues preparations for another Paralympic campaign.
President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, praised the 19-year-old for responding strongly to her previous result and demonstrating the character required to compete at the highest level.
“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,” Orbih said.
He described the Peru International as part of Nigeria’s build-up to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, adding that performances of this nature are encouraging as preparations continue.
Bolaji’s rise has already made history. At Paris 2024, she became the first African athlete to win an Olympic or Paralympic badminton medal after securing bronze, further establishing her place among the continent’s leading para-badminton players.
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Support Behind Bolaji’s Progress
Orbih also acknowledged the contribution of GIG Logistics, Yonex and the National Sports Commission to Bolaji’s development and success.
He said their support had been invaluable to her progression, highlighting the importance of sustained backing as Nigerian athletes prepare for major international competitions.
With another international title now added to her 2026 record, Bolaji will head into the next phase of her campaign with renewed confidence. Her success in Peru also gives Nigeria another reason to look forward to what she can achieve on the road to Los Angeles.
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