Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji becomes the first African para-athlete to win medal at 2024 Paralympic Games
18-year-old Nigerian sensation Eniola Bolaji has made history by becoming the first African para-athlete to win a medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
Bolaji secured a bronze medal in Para Badminton, defeating Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna in straight sets (21-9, 21-9) on Monday morning.
This remarkable achievement marks Nigeria’s first medal at the Paralympic Games, as well as the country’s first medal in the Olympics, U20 Championships, and Paralympics combined.
Bolaji’s journey to the podium was not easy; she suffered a defeat in the semi-final to China’s Zuxian (21-16, 21-17) before bouncing back to win bronze.
Bolaji’s determination to win a medal was fueled by her desire to honor 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 honor for me to be here,” Bolaji shared.
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.
Bolaji’s historic achievement is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She secured her spot in the last four by defeating India’s Mandeep Kaur 2-0 (21-8, 21-9) in the women’s singles SL3 quarter-finals.
Nigeria’s Para Badminton players have been making waves at the Paralympic Games, with Bolaji’s compatriots also advancing to the quarterfinals. This bodes well for the future of Nigerian Para Badminton and highlights the country’s potential in the sport.
Bolaji’s bronze medal win is a milestone moment for Nigerian sports, and her determination and perseverance serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country.
Nigeria continues to make strides in international competitions, and Bolaji’s achievement will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in the country’s sporting history.
