By Peter Omopo
Nigeria’s Mariam Eniola Bolaji has clinched the Women’s Singles SL3 title at the 2026 Peru Para Badminton International in Lima, completing an unbeaten campaign without dropping a single game.
The Paralympic bronze medallist sealed the title with a commanding 21-12, 21-12 victory over Brazil’s Kauana Beckenkamp in the final.
Bolaji dominated throughout the tournament, winning all four of her matches in straight sets and conceding only 47 points across the competition.
The victory adds another international title to an impressive 2026 campaign for the Nigerian para-badminton star, who has already claimed gold in Egypt, silver at the World Championships in Bahrain and silver at the British & Irish Para-Badminton International.
Bolaji’s latest achievement further highlights her growing influence on the international para-badminton scene and strengthens Nigeria’s presence in the sport.
She made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games as the first African athlete to win an Olympic or Paralympic badminton medal.
The National Sports Commission congratulated Bolaji, the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, her coaches and support team, describing the victory as another outstanding performance for the country.
The Peru triumph is expected to further boost Bolaji’s standing on the international circuit as she continues her strong run of performances in 2026.
