Badminton
GIG Logistics Champions Sports Inclusion with Sponsorship of Para-Badminton Star Eniola Bolaji
In a landmark move that underscores the role of corporate Nigeria in sports development, GIG Logistics (GIGL) has announced its sponsorship of para-badminton sensation Eniola Mariam Bolaji as she builds momentum toward the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
The sponsorship, unveiled on Thursday at a grand ceremony in Abuja, positions GIGL as a trailblazer in corporate social responsibility (CSR), with the company pledging to cover Bolaji’s participation in at least three major international championships annually for the next four years.
The support includes travel, logistics, equipment and kits, providing a comprehensive framework for her success on the global stage.
Speaking at the unveiling, GIGL Chief Executive Officer Sebastine Osita, represented by Gloria Edozie, General Manager of Business Services, said the initiative reflects the company’s long-term vision for youth empowerment, inclusion, and national pride.
“At GIG Logistics, we don’t just move parcels, we move dreams. Supporting Eniola is about more than her exceptional achievements on the badminton court; it is about investing in resilience, ambition, and the power to inspire,” Osita said.
“This partnership reflects our broader CSR commitment to creating opportunities for young Nigerians to thrive.”
Bolaji, currently ranked World No. 2, has become a symbol of resilience and excellence. Her glittering record includes gold medals at four international tournaments in 2025 and a historic bronze at the Paris Paralympics — Africa’s first medal in Olympic or Paralympic badminton.
With an unbeaten run of 14 championships and 14 gold medals, she is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most dominant athletes.
National Sports Commission (NSC) boss, Shehu Dikko, joins in hailing the GIG Logistics’ gesture. General Abdullahi Maikano, President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa, also praises the gesture. Cephas Lar, former BFN and Badminton Confederation of Africa President, adds his commendation.
But at the heart of Thursday’s announcement was not just Bolaji’s story; it was the message of what corporate Nigeria can achieve when it invests in talent.
BFN President Francis Orbih lauded GIGL for leading by example.
“This partnership is transformational. Beyond supporting an athlete, GIG Logistics is setting a precedent for how corporate Nigeria can fuel dreams and elevate sports. It is a defining moment in the history of Nigerian badminton,” Orbih said.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, described the deal as a milestone in sports development.
“This is the model we have been advocating — corporate Nigeria stepping in to support athletes with vision and commitment. GIGL has demonstrated that investing in talent builds not only careers but national pride,” Dikko noted.
For Bolaji, the partnership is deeply personal.
“I am very happy and motivated by this massive sponsorship. I look forward to making Nigeria and Africa proud,” she said, visibly moved at the ceremony.
The event, attended by prominent sports administrators including former BFN and BCA President Cephas Lar and General Abdullahi Maikano of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa, highlighted the potential of corporate-sports partnerships to shape Nigeria’s future on the global stage.
By backing Bolaji, GIGL has extended its CSR philosophy beyond logistics and business into the arena of human potential — championing inclusion, empowering youth, and reinforcing Nigeria’s place in international sports.
With this bold step, the company has not only given Eniola Bolaji a platform to soar but has also set a powerful example of how private sector leadership can transform sports development in Nigeria.
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President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, has praised Eniola Bolaji’s triumph at the 2025 British and Irish Para Badminton International, calling it a shining example of hard work, perseverance, and steady growth.
Bolaji, currently ranked world No. 2, stunned world No. 1 and Paralympic champion Qonitah Syakuroh in a thrilling 2-1 victory (21-16, 16-21, 21-13) in the women’s SL3 final held on Saturday, July 26, at the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff.
An elated Orbih described the win as particularly sweet, noting that Bolaji had previously lost to Syakuroh in the semifinals of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
“I am excited with this victory because she just defeated the world number one, whom she lost to in the semifinals of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games,” Orbih said. “Bolaji has shown significant improvement, and we hope she maintains this momentum heading into the next Paralympic Games.”
The BFN President added that Bolaji’s success is a source of pride not only for Nigeria but also for Africa as a whole.
“BFN, the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA), and the National Sports Commission are proud of her continuous efforts in putting Nigeria and Africa on the global badminton map,” he stated.
Bolaji’s win in Cardiff marks the biggest international title of her career so far and reinforces her status as a rising star in para badminton.
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Badminton
Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji Defeats World No. 1 to Win 2025 British and Irish Para Badminton International
Paralympic bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji added another prestigious title to her growing collection on Saturday, after winning the women’s SL3 category at the 2025 British and Irish Para Badminton International in Cardiff, Wales.
Competing at the Sport Wales National Centre, Bolaji stunned world No. 1 and reigning Paralympic champion Qonitah Syakuroh in a dramatic 2-1 final victory (21-16, 16-21, 21-13), underscoring her status as one of the top para badminton players in the world.
The Nigerian, currently ranked world No. 2, started strong by taking the opening set 21-16. Syakuroh bounced back to claim the second set by the same scoreline, setting up a thrilling decider.
Despite trailing up to 13 points, Bolaji unleashed a powerful surge from 11 points to win 21-13 and secure her biggest career title to date.
Bolaji’s path to the final was dominant. She opened her campaign with a 2-0 (21-12, 21-18) win over Australia’s Celine Vinot in the second round, followed by a clinical 2-0 (21-8, 21-18) win against world No. 10 Milena Surreau of France.
She then overpowered India’s Sanjana Kumari 2-0 (21-5, 21-15) in the quarterfinals.
In the semifinals, she faced Vinot again and delivered a commanding 2-0 (21-4, 21-8) performance to book her place in the final.
Saturday’s triumph marks a major milestone for Bolaji, who continues to fly the Nigerian flag high on the international stage and build momentum ahead of future global competitions.
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BY SPORTS VILLAGE SQUARE SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
Host state Abia emerged as the overall winners of the 5th edition of the Para-Badminton Open Championship. The event concluded on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia, the state capital.
Abia’s para-badminton team finished top of the medal table. They achieved an impressive haul of 17 medals—5 gold, 5 silver, and 7 bronze. This reflects a strong all-round performance across the categories.
Plateau State placed second with a total of eight medals (4 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze), while Ogun State took third position with five medals (3 gold, 2 bronze).
Kwara State finished fourth with 3 gold medals, and Imo State rounded out the top five with a total of 9 medals (1 gold, 5 silver, 3 bronze).
Other notable performers included Rivers State (6th place) with 3 medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze); Kebbi State (7th) with 1 gold and 1 silver; Delta State (8th) with 1 gold; Akwa Ibom (9th) with 2 silver medals; and Bayelsa (10th) with 5 medals (1 silver, 4 bronze).
Lagos placed 11th with 1 silver and 1 bronze, followed by Anambra (12th) with 1 silver, Taraba (13th) with 1 bronze, while Ebonyi State finished at the bottom of the medal table without a podium finish.
Declaring the championship officially closed, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Chief Okey Kanu, praised the athletes and organisers. “This event has not only showcased talent, resilience, and sportsmanship, but also served as a powerful reminder of the strength in inclusivity, unity, and determination,” he said.
Governor Otti applauded the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, the Local Organising Committee, the State Badminton Association, and the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) for a successful outing, urging the athletes to view themselves as national heroes.
Also speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, Chairman of the State Badminton Association, Abel Sunday, and the National Coordinator for Para-Badminton, Samuel Ekeoma, expressed gratitude to the governor for his “visionary investment” in youth and sports development.
President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, and the Director of Para-Sports at the National Sports Commission, Mrs. Thecla Opara, also lauded the Abia State government for its unwavering support for athletes, particularly those living with disabilities.
The closing ceremony featured a high-profile star match, where Olympic bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji teamed up with Ayuba Yahaya to defeat Odinakachi Uwalaka and James Akpan in the SL3 final.
Dignitaries and partners, including representatives from the Abia State Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Vulnerable Groups, were also in attendance.
The tournament, which served off on Monday, July 14, concluded on Thursday with medal and certificate presentations.
Meanwhile, Abia State will remain in the para-badminton spotlight as it prepares to host the 1st Abia Para-Badminton International Championship from September 30 to October 5, 2025, followed immediately by the All Africa Para-Badminton Championship from October 6 to 12, 2025.
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GIG Logistics Champions Sports Inclusion with Sponsorship of Para-Badminton Star Eniola Bolaji
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