By Olaitan Ibrahim
Nigeria para-badminton player Mariam Bolaji has dedicated her historic bronze medal at the ongoing Paralympic Games in Paris to her late coach Bello Oyebanji, who passed away in a motor accident three years ago, according to a report.
Bolaji secured Team Nigeria’s first medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, a bronze in the women’s singles SL3 event, by defeating Ukraine’s Kozyna Oksana 2-0 (21-9, 21-9) on Monday.
This feat means Bolaji became the first African athlete to win an Olympic or Paralympic medal in badminton.
Beaming with joy, the 18-year-old dedicated her medal to her late coach.
“I’m happy because it’s a dream for me. It was my coach’s dream as well; he was the one who brought me up. I had to win this medal to dedicate it to him,” 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. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Also reacting to her success, the Francis Orbih-led Badminton Federation of Nigeria congratulated the youngster.
“Eniola’s remarkable victory is a testament to her unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Her hard work and perseverance have paid off, not only for herself but for the entire Nigerian sporting community,” the federation wrote in a statement.
“The BFN extends its heartfelt congratulations to Eniola Bolaji for her outstanding performance. Her achievement is a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes across Africa and Nigeria, making it a proud moment for us all.”
Sports minister John Enoh equally took to his social media to laud Bolaji for her outstanding performance.
“Congratulations to Mariam Bolaji on your victory earlier today (Monday),” the minister wrote on LinkedIn.
“You earned Team Nigeria its first medal at the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in the Para badminton women’s singles SL3 event by defeating Kozyna Oksana of Ukraine 21-9, 21-9 in the bronze medal match.
“You have become the first African to win a medal in para-badminton. Well done, star girl!
“Thank you for doing it for your late coach, yourself, and for your country. We are proud of you.”
Bolaji has been on an exceptional run over the past year.
She claimed victory at the Uganda PB International, secured a triple crown at the Africa Championships, and ended 2023 with a title in Dubai.
Continuing her form into 2024, Bolaji began the year with another triple crown at the Egypt PB International.
Despite a surprising quarter-final loss at the World Championships, she rebounded with back-to-back titles in Spain.
Her historic achievement came at the Spanish Para-Badminton International 2024 Level 1 tournament in Toledo, Spain, where she made history by winning gold.
In the final, Bolaji defeated World No. 5 Mandeep Kaur of India 2-0 (21-17, 21-17) to clinch the gold medal, remaining unbeaten in two Spanish Internationals within a week.