In a historic achievement for Nigerian sports, Eniola Mariam Bolaji has secured Nigeria’s first medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. The 18-year-old para-badminton player clinched a bronze medal in the women’s singles SL3 event, marking a significant milestone for both Nigeria and Africa.
Bolaji triumphed over Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna in a decisive match, winning in straight sets 2-0 (21-9, 21-9) at the La Chapelle Arena on Monday morning¹². This victory not only brings pride to Nigeria but also makes Bolaji the first African athlete to win a medal in para-badminton at the Paralympics.
Reflecting on her journey, Bolaji expressed immense gratitude and dedication to her late coach, Bello Rafiu Oyebanji, who tragically passed away in a motor accident three years ago. “This is amazing; it’s something I’ve dreamed of. I was training for Tokyo 2020 in mixed doubles, but I lost my coach. So, it is an honour for me to be here,” Bolaji shared.
Bolaji’s path to the podium was marked by determination and resilience. She secured her spot in the semi-finals by defeating India’s Mandeep Kaur 2-0 (21-8, 21-9) in the quarter-finals. Although she lost to China’s Zuxian Xiao in the semi-finals, Bolaji’s resolve saw her bounce back to claim the bronze medal.
Training with a club in Spain since November last year has been instrumental in Bolaji’s development. “In Nigeria, I have to take a cab from my house to the stadium, but in Spain, I just have to walk two minutes to the stadium. I play with professional players at the club, so that has helped me,” Bolaji explained.
This victory is a beacon of hope and inspiration for many aspiring athletes in Nigeria and across Africa. Bolaji’s success at the Paris Paralympics underscores the potential and talent present in African sports, paving the way for future achievements on the global stage.
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