Eniola Bolaji, an 18 year old Nigerian accomplished a historic first this morning when she took home a bronze medal in badminton at the ongoing 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris. With this victory, she becomes the first African athlete to win an Olympic or Paralympic medal in badminton since the sport’s inclusion in the games in 1992. It is also Nigeria’s first medal of the games.
Eniola won the Women’s Singles SL3 category, defeating Kozyna Oksana of Ukraine 2-0 (21-9, 21-9), in straight sets. She made history by winning badminton matches in the group stage and becoming the first African to do so at the Paralympics. Her journey to the podium was paved with a number of ground-breaking performances. Her accomplishment in gaining a medal was made possible by notable victories, one of which was a pivotal match against Celine Aurelie Vinot of Australia.
Eniola made news again in the quarterfinals, defeating Mandeep Kaur of India in a resounding straight-set triumph. Her only defeat came against China’s Zuxian Xiao, who went on to win the gold medal.
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Born in Ibadan and raised in Ilorin, Eniola switched from playing tennis to para-badminton under the guidance of her late instructor, Bello Oyebanji, who unfortunately died in an accident.
Reflecting on her achievement, she said, “It was an incredible round-up as I secured a bronze medal for myself, my country, my supporters, and Africa at large at the 2024 Paralympics. God willing, I dedicate this achievement to my late coach, Bello Oyebanji.”
