Mariam Eniola Bolaji has won Team Nigeria’s 1st medal of Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in the Para badminton Women’s singles SL3 event.
Bolaji secured Nigeria’s first medal of the Games by winning the bronze after a dominant victory over Ukraine’s Kozyna Oksana.
Bolaji overpower her opponent in straight sets, winning 21-9, 21-9.
With the feat, Bolaji became the first African to win a medal in para-badminton.
Bolaji’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of historic. She made headlines earlier in the tournament by becoming the first African to reach the semifinals in Parabadminton at the Paralympics.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has hailed Eniola Bolaji for winning Nigeria’s first medal at the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
The minister, who was on the ground in Paris to motivate her and other athletes to victory, stressed the importance of the athletes believing in themselves and showing Nigerian resilience.
Enoh said the ministry would continue to give Team Nigeria all the support it deserves to attain a podium finish.
“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, and fly the nation’s flag very 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”, Enoh said.
The minister specifically thanked Bolaji for winning the medal for her late coach and the country while charging other athletes to ensure podium finish in the various sports.
Team Nigeria is parading 24 athletes who are competing in four sports at the Games: Para athletics, Para badminton, Para powerlifting and Para table tennis.
