Jeremiah Chigozie, Bolaji Set To Represent Nigeria At Paris 2024 Paralympics

Jeremiah Chigozie and Mariam Bolaji will represent Nigeria in Para badminton at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Chigozie has a bronze from Uganda and three golds from the African Championships.
President Orbih believes with them, Nigeria can secure a medal in Para badminton at the Paralympics.

Eko Hot Blog reports that Jeremiah Chigozie has qualified to represent Nigeria in the men’s singles standing lower four (SL4) category at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Editor’s Pick

He will join multiple African champion Mariam Bolaji at the Paralympics, where she will compete in the women’s singles standing lower three (SL3) category.

Currently ranked 16th globally in his category according to the recent Badminton World Federation Para badminton rankings.

Chigozie won a bronze medal at the Uganda Para Badminton International 2023 and three gold medals at the African Para Badminton Championship 2023.

Despite participating in fewer championships than Bolaji, Chigozie reached the quarter-finals in the men’s singles SL4 category at the World Championship in Thailand.

He also excelled at tournaments in Egypt and Dubai.

Following Chigozie’s qualification, Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria.

Hence, he believes the country stands a good chance of making history at the Paralympics.

He stated that the qualification of Bolaji and Chigozie is a testament to their hard work, consistency, and perseverance.

African champion Mariam Bolaji

“Today, history has been made as two players for the first time will be representing Nigeria in the Para badminton event at the Paralympic Games.

“I am full of joy because the sacrifices of the players and the federation were not in vain.

“With adequate camping, foreign tours and proper funding.

“I believe Nigeria will win a medal in the Para badminton event when we make our debut in Paris.”

Orbih also called for support from individuals as the BFN prepares the athletes for the Paralympics.

He said, “I will not get tired of calling on the Federal Government and the private sector to key into our brand and give more support to the Badminton Federation of Nigeria.