Nigeria has claimed its first medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, with 18-year-old Eniola Bolaji delivering a standout performance in the women’s singles SL3 badminton event.
Bolaji secured a bronze medal after a commanding 2-0 victory over Ukraine’s Kozyna Oksana on Monday at La Chapelle Arena.
Bolaji’s triumph in the third-place match, which lasted a brief 24 minutes, saw her decisively overpower her Ukrainian opponent with back-to-back 21-9 wins in both sets.
This victory not only earned her Nigeria’s inaugural medal at this year’s Paralympic Games but also established her as one of Africa’s emerging talents in para-badminton.
Bolaji’s path to the podium has been a story of perseverance and extraordinary achievement.
On Sunday, she made history as the first African athlete to reach the semi-finals of a badminton event at the Paralympic Games, defeating India’s Mandeep Kaur 2-0 in the quarter-finals.
Although her aspirations for gold were cut short in the semi-final by China’s Xiao Zhuxian, Bolaji’s resolve remained strong as she rallied to secure the bronze.
The young athlete had dedicated her Paralympic journey to her late coach, Bello Rafiu Oyebanji, who tragically lost his life in a road accident while Bolaji was preparing for the Tokyo Olympics.
Bolaji had made a promise to honour her coach’s memory by winning a medal at the Paralympics—a promise she has now fulfilled, bringing pride to her country and honouring her coach’s legacy.
As the nation celebrates Bolaji’s remarkable achievement, attention shifts to other Nigerian athletes who are set to compete in the coming days.
Flora Ugwunwa is gearing up for the final of the F54 women’s shot put, with hopes of adding to Nigeria’s medal count.
Meanwhile, Kayode Alabi and Isau Ogunkunle are slated to compete in the round of 16 in the men’s table tennis event.
Bolaji’s victory has set a positive tone for the Nigerian team, showcasing their resilience and determination on the global stage. Her accomplishment has not only inspired her fellow athletes but also lifted the spirits of a nation.
Following her win, Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, extended his congratulations to Bolaji.
In his message to all Nigerian Paralympians, he urged them to remain focused and strive for victory, “You all can do it for yourselves and for the country. As a ministry, we have made available what you need; make all of the sports-loving people of Nigeria proud of you, fly the nation’s flag very high in Paris. I believe in your capacity. Having done all we should as government, we are rooting for you. It is now over to you to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.”
Bolaji’s bronze medal win marks a significant milestone for Nigerian sports, as the nation’s athletes continue to compete with passion and determination in Paris.
