By Ijeoma Chigbu

Paralympic bronze medalist Eniola Bolaji has etched her name in history once again by clinching gold at the Egypt Para Badminton International 2025.

In a commanding performance, Bolaji defeated Sweden’s Hillevi Salomonsson 2-0 (21-1, 21-2) in the women’s SL3 final on Sunday, underscoring her dominance in the event. The African champion also showcased her prowess throughout the tournament, overcoming Shahinda Mohamed (21-7, 21-2), Basma Nabil-Fawzy (21-6, 21-4), and Elizabeth Puma (21-2, 21-4) with straight-set victories in earlier rounds.

According to the Badminton World Federation, Bolaji has competed in 10 international championships over the past two years, emerging victorious in all—a remarkable feat that cements her as a force to be reckoned with in Para Badminton.

Reacting to her triumph, Francis Orbih, President , Badminton Federation of Nigeria, celebrated Bolaji’s achievement, highlighting its significance for Nigerian sports.

“Eniola Bolaji’s gold medal at the Egypt International 2025 is a testament to her unparalleled talent and dedication. As the first and only African medalist in Para Badminton at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, she has once again brought immense pride to Nigeria. Winning 10 consecutive international tournaments is no small feat; she is a national treasure and a global icon,” Orbih stated.

He added that Bolaji’s success is a beacon of hope for both Para Badminton and Badminton in Nigeria, inspiring athletes to strive for excellence in 2025.

Looking ahead, Orbih reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to hosting world-class events, including the Para Badminton International Championship and the All Africa para badminton championship in Abia State this October.

“The Badminton Federation of Nigeria, in collaboration with Abia State, is determined to deliver a successful Para Badminton International Championship and the All-African Para Badminton Championship. We are fully committed to meeting and exceeding international standards,” Orbih concluded.

Bolaji’s victory not only marks a golden start to the year but also solidifies her status as a trailblazer in Nigerian and African Badminton/Para badminton.

by Ijeoma Chigbu

In a groundbreaking move, renowned boxing promoter, Akeem Akinade who doubles as the chief executive officer of Youfitbox Promotion has announced the New National title Belt Reborn, an historic event that is set to revolutionize the Nigerian boxing sector. 

A collaborative effort between Youfitbox Promotion and the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) will bring the highly anticipated event to life at Shalom Park, spec Lagos KLM 5, Lasu Isheri road, unity bus stop opposite Alimosho General Hospital Igando Lagos, on February 16th, 2025

The exciting undercard features twelve thrilling bouts, showcasing some of Nigeria’s most talented boxers.

Dauda Azeez from Badagry will make his debut against Onabanjo  Sulaiman from Ogun State in a 4-round National flyweight challenge.

In a 6-round National bantamweight challenge, Seun Touch from Lagos will face off with Akeem Shonubi from Ogun State

Oliwo Kazeem from Ajegule, Lagos, will battle Hammed Qudus from Agege, Lagos, in a 6-round National featherweight bout.

Other exciting matchups include 

Amosun Williams Kaki from Badagry clashes with Saheed Sodiq from Ajegule in a 6-round super lightweight HBE Title fight challenge

Isaac Chukwudi DSTAR from Agege battles Arabambi Ojo from Ibadan in a 6-round National light welterweight bout.

Abdul Azeez osoba from lagos bariga goes head to head with Emmanuel chidi from Ibadan in a 6-round National Welterweight Challenge 

Obizulike Chigbo Elisha from lasu battles Abiola Mukaila from Isheri oshun in a 6-round HBE Title belt welterweight contest 

Idris Hamza from Igando Lagos takes on Dominic Moses from Ajegule in a 6 Round National middleweight challenges Bout

Richard uzoni faces KABIRU sadalah

Hammed rasak battles opeyemi adekoya while Alimi sikiru

takes on kehide in their own bout

The main event of the evening promises to be a showstopper, as Sodiq Oyakojo (Golden Boy) from Ejigbo, Lagos, takes on Azeez Ayobami from Ibadan in a 10-round National super featherweight national title belt challenge.

by Ijeoma Chigbu

President of Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF), Dr. Musa Oshodi has been elected the secretary general of West African Judo Union.

The West African Judo election was held on Jan. 14,  2025, in Casablanca, Morocco.

The election was staged during the African Judo Union Congress at Hotel Grand Mogardo, Morocco.

The president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel congratulated the president and the Nigeria Judo Federation on his victory at the judo Congress.

The elected Exco members are:  Mr DABONNE Seydou:  President from Cote D’ivoure, Mr DIALLO Abdoulaye Balipily:  Vice- President 1 from Guinea and Mr  MASSAQUOI Idrissa: Vice-President 2 from Sierra Leone.

Others are Dr OSHODI Musa Olakunle: General secretary from Nigeria and Mr RAUORE Mamadou:  Treasurer from Mali.

Not less than 12 countries were in attendance during the Congress.