dd yy
In a groundbreaking achievement for both Nigeria and the African continent, Mariam Eniola Bolaji has etched her name in history as the first African athlete to secure a badminton medal at the Paralympic Games. The 18-year-old Nigerian star claimed the bronze medal in the women’s singles SL3 category at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, defeating Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna in straight sets, 21-9, 21-9. This win not only marks Nigeria’s first medal at the Paris Paralympics but also solidifies Bolaji‘s place in the history of African badminton.
In a brief interview with BCA TV after her historic bronze medal win, Mariam Eniola Bolaji expressed her excitement, saying, “I am extremely happy with my result at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, and I know it’s due to sheer determination and discipline. I dedicate this victory to my family, my federation, the BCA, and everyone who believed in me throughout my journey. I hope to maintain this momentum in my upcoming tournaments.”
Bolaji‘s path to this remarkable achievement is both inspiring and emotional. Her success comes just three years after the tragic passing of her coach, Bello Oyebanji, who died in a car accident as she was preparing for the Tokyo Paralympics. Despite the odds, Bolaji‘s resilience and determination have made her a symbol of hope for aspiring para-athletes across Africa.
The CEO of the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA), Mr. Jeff Shigoli, expressed immense pride in Bolaji‘s accomplishment, stating, “This is a historic moment for both Nigeria and Africa, and I commend Mariam for this incredible achievement. It’s a dream come true for us at the BCA, showing that the structures and programs we’ve put in place to support athletes are working. I’m confident this is just the beginning, and we’ll see more African athletes following in Mariam’s footsteps to achieve even greater success.”
This victory is more than just a personal accomplishment for Bolaji. It highlights the development of para-badminton in Africa and shows the continent’s increasing presence on the global stage. Her success is a testament to the talent and potential within African sports, particularly in areas that have been underrepresented.
The President of the Badminton Nigeria Federation (BNF), Mr. Francis Orbih, also shared his pride in Bolaji‘s achievement, stating, “I am extremely proud of Mariam and her success at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Her accomplishment motivates us at the Federation to keep pushing our athletes. Mariam and her coach worked tirelessly, and this victory is the result of years of practice and discipline. This medal is not just for Nigeria but for all of Africa, representing the hard work and dedication of our athletes.”
Dina Abouzeid Sariñena, Bolaji‘s coach and mentor, also reflected on her athlete’s success, saying, “It’s incredibly fulfilling to see players achieving their goals after all their hard work. A medal at Paris 2024 was the goal we set from the beginning, and I’m thrilled to see it come to fruition. We worked hard, and the preparation was challenging, but Mariam trusted me, and I’m incredibly proud of her. This is just the start, and she has a bright future ahead.”
As Africa celebrates this monumental win, Bolaji‘s victory will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of para-athletes across the continent. The BCA remains dedicated to supporting and nurturing talents like Mariam Eniola Bolaji, ensuring that African badminton continues to thrive on the global stage. This accomplishment is not just a personal triumph for Bolaji but a collective victory for African sports, paving the way for even greater achievements in the future.
