Mariam Eniola Bolaji has secured Team Nigeria’s first medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, triumphing in the Para badminton Women’s Singles SL3 event. The 18-year-old claimed the bronze medal after a dominant victory over Ukraine’s Kozyna Oksana, winning 2-0 with identical scores of 21-9 in both sets. The match, held at La Chapelle Arena on Monday, lasted just 24 minutes, showcasing Bolaji’s superior skills.
Bolaji made history on Sunday as the first African to reach the semi-finals of a badminton event at the Paralympic Games, following her quarter-final victory over India’s Mandeep Kaur. Despite her remarkable journey, her quest for gold was halted in the semi-finals by China’s Xiao Zhuxian, who proved to be a tough opponent.
Bolaji’s win is particularly significant as she dedicated her performance to her late coach, Bello Rafiu Oyebanji, who tragically passed away in a road accident while she was preparing for the Tokyo Olympics.
As the Games continue, Nigeria’s hopes for more medals remain high. Flora Ugwunwa is set to compete in the final of the F54 Women’s Shot Put, while Kayode Alabi and Isau Ogunkunle are scheduled to participate in the round of 16 of the Men’s Table Tennis event.
