Nigeria’s para badminton sensation Eniola Bolaji was forced to retire midway through the final of the POLYTRON Indonesia Para Badminton International 2025 in Solo on Sunday, conceding victory to world number one Syakuroh Ikhtiar of Indonesia.
Bolaji, ranked world number two, had been competing in her sixth final of the year and appeared poised to challenge for another gold before injury struck. The match ended abruptly in the first set at 20–16 in favour of Ikhtiar.
Shortly after, Bolaji took to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm the reason behind her withdrawal and express gratitude to her supporters.
“Due to some unforeseen circumstances, I had to retire from the final match after giving it my all,” she wrote.
“It wasn’t an easy decision, but sometimes our bodies remind us that we’re only human. I truly appreciate everyone for the endless love, encouragement, and support; it means more than words can express. I’m praying for a quick recovery and can’t wait to come back stronger, better, and more focused. The journey continues, and the best is yet to come.”
Despite the disappointment, Bolaji’s silver medal further reinforces her standing as one of the most dominant forces in global para badminton.
Eniola Bolaji Adds Another Medal to a Stellar 2025 Campaign
The 20-year-old continues to blaze a trail for African badminton. She made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, becoming the first African athlete ever to win a badminton medal at either the Olympic or Paralympic Games after defeating Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna 2–0 (21–9, 21–9) to claim bronze.
In 2025, Bolaji has already clinched five gold medals across major international tournaments:
- Spanish Para Badminton International II, Vitoria, Spain
- Spanish Para Badminton International, Toledo, Spain
- British and Irish Para Badminton International, Cardiff, Wales
- All-Africa Para Badminton Championships, Abia State (two golds)
- First Abia International Para Badminton Championships
Her dominance in the Women’s Singles SL3 category also earned her the 2024 Africa Women in Badminton Award, recognizing her inspirational achievements and impact on the sport.
As she turns her attention to recovery, Bolaji remains determined to continue her remarkable rise, with her sights set firmly on returning to full strength and adding more titles to her already glittering résumé.
“The journey continues,” she said, and for Nigeria’s golden star of para badminton, it certainly does.
