Badminton Federation celebrates Bolaji, Nigeria’s Paralympics lone medallist

The Nigerian Badminton Federation, yesterday, rolled out the red carpets to celebrate the country’s lone medallist at the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympics, Mariam Eniola Bolaji.

Bolaj idefeated Ukraine’s Kozyna Oksana 21-9, 21-9 to win a bronze medal and become the first African athlete to win an Olympic or Paralympic medal in badminton.

Eulogising Bolaji for her feat yesterday, Badminton Federation President, Francis Orbih, said the athlete’s has justified the federation’s investment in energy, time and resources in the sport.

Orbih said: “Though the journey to this point was a very rough ride, but we are here now with a medal to show for all the effort and investments both on the part of the federation and more importantly from the player herself.

“The path to reaching this remarkable milestone was made possible by a collective of public, private and individual efforts, in which the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA), Federal Ministry of Sports Development, late Coach Bello Oyebanji, Dina Sarinena, states like Abia and Kaduna, corporate organisations like Mikano International, GIG Group and Owu Sportswear all played crucial roles and were very supportive throughout the journey.”

He described Bolaji’s victory as a testament to her unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and relentless pursuit of excellence, adding, “her hard work and perseverance has paid off, not only for herself but for the entire Nigerian sporting community.
“Her achievement is a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes across Africa and Nigeria making it a proud moment for us all.”