The recent outing by Nigeria’s leading physically challenged badminton player, Eniola Bolaji, at the Peru International has been cited as another major step by the world-renowned star ahead of the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, USA.
Sports247 reports that this assessment was provided by the president of Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Engineer Francis Orbih, who said he was happy seeing Bolaji win the Women’s SL3 category of the elite para-championship in Peru.
Orbih reeled out more accolades on Bolaji after the 2024 Paralympic Games bronze medalist defeated Kauana Beckenkamp of Brazil 2-0 (21-12, 21-12) in the final on Sunday, before which the world number two began her campaign by silencing Brazil’s Maria Da Silva Abinaecia 2-0 (21-7, 21-6) in the first round.
The multiple African champion then floored Gabriela Montero of Croatia 2-0 (21-2, 21-1) in the second round, after which she stopped Maria Rojas Peres of Mexico 2-0 (21-6, 21-9) in the semi-final and silenced Beckenkamp in the final, much to Orbih’s delight.
He commended Bolaji for bouncing back strongly from her performance at the British & Irish International last June, with a verdict that the star player’s performance in Peru demonstrated her consistency and ability to overcome challenges.
Orbih asserted: “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.
“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.”
