Published On September 5, 2024 In Benue, Nigeria
By Inyima Nicholas Sunday, A Writer | Website: INTERNETISGOOD
Eniola Bolaji, an 18-year-old para-badminton player, has made history by winning Nigeria’s first medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Bolaji clinched a bronze medal in the women’s singles SL3 event, defeating Ukraine’s Kozyna Oksana in a dominant 2-0 victory on Monday at the La Chapelle Arena.
In a match that lasted just 24 minutes, Bolaji overpowered her Ukrainian opponent with identical 21-9 scores in both sets[1]. Her commanding performance in the third-place match marks a historic achievement, as she not only secured Nigeria’s first medal at this year’s Games but also solidified her place as one of Africa’s rising stars in para-badminton.
Bolaji’s Journey to the Podium
Bolaji’s journey to the podium has been nothing short of remarkable. On Sunday, she became the first African athlete to reach the semi-final of a badminton event at the Paralympic Games, after defeating India’s Mandeep Kaur 2-0 in the quarter-final[1]. Despite her dreams of gold being dashed in the semi-final by China’s Xiao Zhuxian, Bolaji’s determination remained unshaken as she stormed back to claim the bronze.
The young para-athlete had dedicated her participation in the Paris Paralympics to her late coach, Bello Rafiu Oyebanji, who tragically passed away in a road accident while Bolaji was preparing for the Tokyo Olympics[2]. Bolaji had vowed to honor his memory by winning a medal at the Paralympics, a promise she has now fulfilled.
Making History for Africa
When Mariam Eniola Bolaji defeated Oksana Kozyna to clinch bronze, she created history not just for herself and her country Nigeria, but also for an entire continent[2]. Bolaji is now the first African player, male or female, to win a badminton medal at either the Olympic or Paralympic Games.
“I feel so good, so nice,” Bolaji reflected, the morning after her win. “I’ve been breaking records since 2021 and I’m continuing to do that for Africans in Para badminton.”
Bolaji’s achievement has etched her name into Nigerian and African history forever, something that she now hopes will blaze a trail for other young players on the continent[2]. “I played very well. I really trained for it, and I’m happy that I can make my dreams come true. I wanted the gold medal, but I still thank God for making me make history.”
Overcoming Challenges
Originally a para table tennis player, Bolaji was encouraged to try out badminton by her late coach Bello Rafiu Oyebanji[2]. Oyebanji passed away in 2021 as Bolaji was preparing for the delayed Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, and his death has proved to be a major inspiration for Bolaji’s career in the following years.
“My late coach was the one that brought me through, he trained me and encouraged me. The medal is dedicated to him. He would be very, very happy and would be saying ‘I’m proud of you’.”
Bolaji started para-badminton in 2018, after being introduced to the sport by her coach[2]. “I was playing table tennis and Bello introduced Para badminton to me. It was a new sport in Nigeria and I enjoyed it straight away[2].”
Despite facing challenges, such as a troubling ankle injury that she has been dealing with for a month, Bolaji remained determined to succeed[2]. “I need to take a break and have a rest because exactly a month before the Paralympics I had an ankle injury.”
“I’ve been training and playing with it. Now I need to get treatment for it and come back strong. It’s been very, very painful – but worth it.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Bolaji’s achievement has not only made history but also inspired others to take up the sport of para-badminton. “The crowds in Paris have been great. There are only two players that have come from Africa for Para badminton and everybody has been supporting me.”
Now, Bolaji is keen that her considerable achievements encourage more African players to both take up the sport and also succeed at Paralympic level[2]. “I hope other people in Africa will be inspired by this and come to Para badminton now.”
Support from Nigeria
Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, has celebrated Bolaji’s achievement and pledged continued support for Team Nigeria[4][6]. The minister, who was in Paris to motivate the athletes, stressed the importance of the athletes believing in themselves and showing Nigerian resilience.
“You all can do it for yourselves and for the country.”
“As a ministry, we have made available what you need, make all of the sports-loving people of Nigeria proud of you, and fly the nation’s flag very high in Paris.”
“I believe in your capacity. Having done all we should as a government, we are rooting for you. It is now over to you to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.”
The minister specifically thanked Bolaji for winning the medal for her late coach and the country while charging other athletes to ensure podium finishes in the various sports.
Looking Ahead
With Bolaji’s triumph setting the tone, Nigeria’s athletes continue to demonstrate their resilience and determination on the world stage, bringing pride and inspiration to their nation[1]. Team Nigeria is parading 24 athletes who are competing in four sports at the Games: Para athletics, Para badminton, Para powerlifting and Para table tennis.
As Bolaji supports her Nigerian team-mates in other events over the next three days, she will be looking to inspire further success[2]. Her historic achievement has not only made her country proud but has also paved the way for a new generation of African para-badminton stars to emerge.
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