Nigeria’s para badminton champion, Eniola Bolaji was forced to retire from the final of the POLYTRON Indonesia Para Badminton International 2025 in Solo on Sunday, handing victory to world number one Syakuroh Ikhtiar of Indonesia in the first set.
Competing in her sixth final of the year, Bolaji looked set to add another gold medal to her glittering 2025 campaign but had to pull out when the scores stood at 20–16 in favour of Ikhtiar in the opening set.
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The world number two later confirmed via X (formerly Twitter) that her withdrawal was due to injury.
“Due to some unforeseen circumstances, I had to retire from the final match after giving it my all,” Bolaji 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 solidifies her status as one of the leading figures in global para badminton.
Eniola Bolaji Adds Another Medal to her 2025 Collection
At just 20 years old, she became the first African athlete to win a badminton medal at either the Olympic or Paralympic Games, claiming bronze at the Paris 2024 Paralympics after defeating Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna 2–0 (21–9, 21–9).
In 2025, Bolaji has already captured five gold medals, triumphing at:
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The Spanish Para Badminton International II in Vitoria, Spain
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The Spanish Para Badminton International in Toledo, Spain
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The British and Irish Para Badminton International in Cardiff, Wales
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The All-Africa Para Badminton Championships in Abia State (two golds)
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The First Abia International Para Badminton Championships
Her dominance in the Women’s Singles SL3 category earned her the 2024 Africa Women in Badminton Award, recognising her outstanding achievements and inspiring journey in para badminton.
Bolaji now turns her focus to recovery, with hopes of returning to competition stronger as she continues her pursuit of global success.
