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

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.

Over 1000 kiddies are expected to take part in the first honorable lanre okunola primary school basketball clinic 

The clinic put together by impact kiddies sports project in conjunction with Lagos State subeb and the Lagos State sports commission is aimed to select talented players for the world under 12 basketball championship in Italy in June 

The one day exercise billed for February 20th 2025 at the national stadium surulere Lagos is open to subeb selected schools in Lagos mainland, surulere and shomolu 

As part of its mission to develop and showcase exceptional young talent, impact kiddies sports project is committed to selecting and training outstanding youth basketball players from Lagos State to represent Nigeria on the global stage. This event marks a significant step in the journey to the World Youth Games

President, impact kiddies sports project in igie Adams commended honourable lanre okunola for coming on board to support the project while charging corporate bodies and government to key into thier vision of raising worthy ambassadors for the country through the slamming and dunking game 

” We are excited about this latest development, honourable lanre okunola is a former basketball player he understands the game and the impact this will have on the lives and career of the players . We need more of such spirited Nigerians to come our aid in ensuring this kids travel to Italy and do the country proud” He said 

The clinic will emphasize the transformative impact of the World Youth Games on Nigerian youth, not only in sports but also in leadership, teamwork, and global representation.