Sports

Eniola Bolaji Wins Nigeria’s First Medal at the 2024 Paralympics

Published by Tope Fakinlede on September 2nd, 2024.

Eniola Bolaji Wins Nigeria’s First Medal at the 2024 Paralympics

Eniola Mariam Bolaji has made history by becoming the first African athlete to earn a medal in Para-Badminton, securing a Bronze in the women’s Singles SL3 category for Nigeria.

On Monday morning, Bolaji defeated Ukrainian player Oksana Kozyna with a decisive 2-0 (21-9, 21-9) victory, marking Nigeria’s first Paralympics medal in Paris. Although Bolaji aimed for gold, she lost to China’s Zuxian Xiao 2-0 (16-21, 17-21) in the semi-finals on Sunday but redeemed herself with the bronze medal the following day.

This achievement ends a medal drought for Nigeria, following recent disappointing performances at the Olympic Games and the World U-20 Athletics Championship. In response to her historic accomplishment, Bolaji took to her X page to dedicate her medal to her late coach, Nigeria, and Africa.

“It was an amazing moment to win a bronze medal for myself, my country, my supporters, and all of Africa at the 2024 Paralympics. I dedicate this achievement to my late coach, Bello Oyebanji. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the 18-year-old wrote.

Sports Development Minister John Owan Enoh has also extended his congratulations to Bolaji for her outstanding performance.