Nigeria has secured its first medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, thanks to a stellar performance by 18-year-old Eniola Bolaji.
Bolaji captured a bronze medal in the women’s singles SL3 badminton 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.
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 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.
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. Bolaji had vowed to honor his memory by winning a medal at the Paralympics, a promise she has now fulfilled.
As Nigeria celebrates Bolaji’s achievement, attention now turns to other athletes who will compete later in the Games.
Flora Ugwunwa is set to compete in the final of the F54 women’s shot put, hoping to add to Nigeria’s medal tally. Additionally, Kayode Alabi and Isau Ogunkunle are scheduled to take part in the round of 16 in the men’s table tennis event.
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.
Chioma Kalu
Follow us on:
Israeli PM Netanyahu faces potential arrest in the UK as Downing Street pledges to fulfill…
A second Australian teenager has died of suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, bringing to six…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFlFl1mPGC8 The arrest of self-proclaimed Prime minister of the Biafra Republic, Simon Ekpa who was…
Gatwick Airport's South Terminal was evacuated after a suspected prohibited item was found, prompting bomb…
Trump is considering Kevin Warsh for Treasury Secretary, with a future possibility of him becoming…
Hyundai has recalled 145,235 electrified vehicles in the US. due to potential loss of drive…
View Comments
VEHICLES FOR SALE AT A CHEAPER RATE AND AFFORDABLE PRICE INTERESTED BUYERS SHOULD CONTACT.
REV.SIMON PASOM ON (O8O 6739 9O9O ) OR WATHSAPP FOR PURCHASE
AND INQUIRY!! BAGS OF RICE 50KG=N35,000 GALLONS OF GROUNDNUT OIL 25LITRE=N25,500 FOR SALES, SOME OF VEHICLE PRICES BELOW: Golf 3,4, 5=N650,000 Toyota Camry BigDaddy=N1.5 Million naira Toyota Camry Tiny-Light=N850,000. Toyota venza=N 2.8
Million naira
Toyota Hilux=N 3 Million naira Toyota Camry Muscle =N 2 Million naira Toyota Avalon=N 2 million naira Toyota Rav4 SUV=N 2.5 million naira Toyota Sienna=N 2 million naira Toyota
Tundra=N3.5m Toyota picnic=N 1 Million Toyota Highlander=N2.5 million naira Toyota Corolla=N 1.5 Million
naira Toyota Prado=N4.5 million naira. Toyota Matrix=N 2.3 million. Toyota Haice Bus= N2.5MILLION
Lexus Rx330= 1.5 million naira Lesus Rx300=N 2.5 Million naira Lexus Rx350=N3.5 MILLION
NAIRA WE DELIVER TO ALL THE 36 STATE IN NIGERIA,