Sports
Eniola Bolaji Makes History As Nigeria’s First Medalist At 2024 Paralympics
The 18-year-old secured a bronze medal in Para Badminton on Monday morning, defeating Ukrainian Oksana Kozyna in straight sets (21-9, 21-9).
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Bolaji reached the semi-finals after a commanding victory over India’s Mandeep Kaur, winning 2-0 (21-8, 21-9) in the women’s singles SL3 quarter-finals. Although she lost a hard-fought semi-final match to Zuxian (21-16, 21-17), Bolaji bounced back to claim the bronze medal.
Determined to honour her late coach, Bello Rafiu Oyebanji, who tragically passed away in a motor accident three years ago, Bolaji expressed her joy at fulfilling her dream.
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“This is amazing; it’s something I’ve dreamed of. I was training for Tokyo 2020 in mixed doubles, but I lost my coach. So, it is an honour for me to be here,” she said.
Bolaji credited her recent training with a club in Spain, where she has been based since November last year, as a key factor in her development.
“In Nigeria, I have to take a cab from my house to the stadium, but in Spain, I just have to walk two minutes to the stadium. I play with professional players at the club, so that has helped me,” she explained.
Flora Ugwunwa is set to compete in the final of the F54 women’s shot put later in the day, aiming to add to Nigeria’s medal count at the Paris Paralympics. Isau Ogunkunle and Kayode Alabi are also scheduled to compete in the round of 16 in men’s table tennis.
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