Paris 2024 Paralympics: Eniola Bolaji clinches badminton bronze in historic fashion

Nigeria’s Eniola Mariam Bolaji has become the first African athlete to win a medal in Para-Badminton.

She won a bronze medal for Nigeria in the women’s Singles SL3 at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Bolaji defeated her Ukrainian opponent, Oksana Kozyna in straight sets 2-0 (21-9, 21-9), winning Nigeria’s 1st Paralympics medal in Paris.

Before Eniola came to the scene in Paris 2024, no African athletes had won any medal in badminton at the Olympics and Paralympics combined.

The Ibadan-born player was raised in Ilorin, Kwara state, and gave up her tennis career to pursue para-badminton with the help of late coach Bello Oyebanji.

“The late coach was like a father to me. A man of discipline who supported me,” Bolaji said after winning the bronze medal at the Paralympics.

“He inspired me to take up para badminton instead of tennis and I am happy with the results.”