Eniola Bolaji has made history as the first African athlete to win a medal in Para-Badminton at the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Bolaji secured a bronze medal for Nigeria in the Women’s Singles SL3 category after a commanding victory over Ukraine’s Kozyna Oksana, winning 21-9, 21-9.
Following her triumph, Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, extended his congratulations to Bolaji earlier today, praising her remarkable achievement.
Bolaji’s victory comes on the heels of a hard-fought semi-final loss on Sunday. Despite the setback, she rebounded to make history and secure Nigeria’s first medal of the 2024 Paralympic Games.
Senator Enoh encouraged all Nigerian athletes at the Paralympics to remain determined and strive for victory. “You all can do it for yourselves and for the country. As a ministry, we have provided what you need now make all sports-loving Nigerians proud. Fly the nation’s flag high in Paris. I believe in your capacity. Having done all we should as a government, we are rooting for you. It is now over to you to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.”
The Paralympic Games continue, with Nigeria’s Bolawa Akingbemisiu, Kayode Alabi, and Isau Ogunkule set to compete in the Round of 16 in table tennis later today. Bolaji’s historic win has set a high standard for Team Nigeria as they pursue further success in Paris.
