Nigeria’s top para-badminton star, Eniola Bolaji, saw her gold medal performance at the National Para Games Abuja 2026 ruled ineligible for official scoring, despite winning her final in the women’s SL3 singles event.
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Bolaji had initially been celebrated after defeating her opponent from Abia State to clinch gold.
However, organisers later clarified that the medal would not count toward Kwara State’s overall tally due to a technical disqualification tied to competition rules.
According to officials familiar with the guidelines, the decision was based on eligibility restrictions governing certain categories at the Games, particularly those aimed at encouraging grassroots and emerging athletes.
Bolaji, who is currently ranked among the world’s elite in para-badminton, was deemed overqualified for the medal-scoring category in which she competed.
Her status as an internationally established athlete — including her record as a Paralympic medalist, placed her outside the bracket of athletes eligible to contribute points in that division.
Sources indicated that while top-level athletes may be allowed to participate in select events for competitive exposure or exhibition purposes, their results are sometimes classified as non-scoring to preserve fairness and development objectives within domestic competitions.
“The intention is to create a level playing field for developing athletes at the national level,” a Games official explained. “Elite competitors like Bolaji can still compete, but under specific conditions that may exclude them from official medal counts.”
The ruling has sparked discussion among observers, with some questioning the clarity of participation guidelines, while others support measures designed to protect opportunities for up-and-coming para-athletes.
Despite the administrative outcome, Bolaji’s dominance on the court remains undisputed.
Her performance in Abuja reinforces her status as one of Nigeria’s leading para-sport figures and a consistent force on the global stage.
The organisers of the National Para Games are yet to issue a detailed public statement addressing the incident, but reaffirmed their commitment to fair competition and athlete development across all categories.
