Nigeria has finally made its mark on the medal table at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, thanks to Mariam Eniola Bolaji’s stellar performance in the Parabadminton Women’s Singles SL3 event, Sports247 reports.
Bolaji secured Nigeria’s first medal of the Games by winning the bronze after a dominant victory over Ukraine’s Kozyna Oksana. The match, which took place this morning, saw Bolaji overpower her opponent in straight sets, winning 21-9, 21-9.
Bolaji’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of historic. She made headlines earlier in the tournament by becoming the first African to reach the semifinals in Parabadminton at the Paralympics.
Although she fell short in the semifinals against China’s Xiao Zuxian, losing in two closely contested sets, her determination never wavered. The victory in the bronze medal match not only highlights her exceptional skill but also her resilience and drive.
This achievement adds to Bolaji’s growing legacy in the sport, marking her as a trailblazer for African athletes on the global stage.
Her success is particularly poignant, given that she dedicated her Paralympic journey to her late coach, Bello Rafiu Oyebanji, who passed away in a tragic accident three years ago.
As Nigeria celebrates this breakthrough, Bolaji’s win is a powerful reminder of the potential and determination of the country’s athletes, inspiring future generations to aim for greatness on the world stage.
