By Gideon Maxwell
September 2, 2024
In a groundbreaking achievement, 18-year-old Mariam Eniola Bolaji of Nigeria has become the first African athlete to secure a badminton medal at either the Olympics or the Paralympics.
This milestone was reached when Bolaji clinched the bronze medal in the women’s singles SL3 event at the Paris Paralympics on Monday.
Bolaji’s victory was marked by a convincing performance, as she defeated Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna with a dominant score of 21-9, 21-9.
This win not only signifies a personal triumph for Bolaji but also marks Nigeria’s first medal at the Paris Paralympics.
The journey to this achievement has been particularly poignant for Bolaji, who dedicated her medal to her late coach, Bello Oyebanji.
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Oyebanji tragically passed away in a road accident three years ago while Bolaji was preparing for the Tokyo Paralympics.
This dedication underscores the resilience and determination that have characterized Bolaji’s athletic career.
Bolaji’s historic win is expected to inspire a new generation of African athletes and further highlight the growing presence and success of African competitors in international para-sports events.
