In a momentous achievement for both Nigeria and the African continent, Mariam Eniola Bolaji has made history by becoming the first African athlete to win a badminton medal at the Paralympic Games. The 18-year-old Nigerian star clinched the bronze medal in the women’s singles SL3 category at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, defeating Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna in straight sets, 21-9, 21-9. This victory not only marks Nigeria’s first medal at the Paris Paralympics but also cements Bolaji’s name in the annals of African badminton history.
In a brief interview with BCA TV following her historic bronze medal win at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Mariam Eniola Bolaji expressed her joy, stating, “I am extremely happy with my result at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, and I know that it is just sheer determination and discipline. I dedicate this victory to my family, my federation, the BCA, and all the people who believed in me at every stage of my career. I hope to continue in this same momentum for my upcoming tournaments.”
Bolaji’s journey to this historic moment is as inspiring as it is emotional. Her success comes three years after the tragic loss of her coach, Bello Oyebanji, who died in a road accident while she was preparing for the Tokyo Paralympics. Despite the odds, Bolaji’s determination and resilience have seen her rise to become a beacon of hope for aspiring para-athletes across Africa.
The Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA) CEO, Mr. Jeff Shigoli, expressed immense pride in Bolaji’s accomplishment, stating,
“This is a historic moment for both Nigeria and Africa, and I cannot help but salute Mariam for this achievement. This is a dream come true for us at the BCA because it shows that the structure and programs in accompanying the players are functioning well. This is definitely a stepping stone for future para-athletes to follow the footsteps of Mariam, and I firmly believe that together we will obtain more medals. This is just the beginning for Africa”.
The significance of Bolaji’s victory extends beyond her personal success. It is a testament to the progress and development of para-badminton in Africa, showcasing the continent’s growing presence on the global stage. Her win is a powerful reminder of the potential within African sports, particularly in disciplines that have traditionally been underrepresented.
The President of the Badminton Nigeria Federation (BNF), Mr. Francis Orbih, also expressed his pride in Bolaji’s achievement. Speaking to BCA TV, he said,
“I am extremely proud of Mariam’s achievement and her accomplishment in this Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. This motivates us even more at the Federation to strive more towards our Athletes. We acknowledge the hard work that Mariam and her coach had to put in and this does not come in one day. This is the result of many years of practice and discipline”. This bronze medal is not just a victory for Nigeria but for all of Africa. It represents the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of our athletes and the support systems that have been put in place to help them succeed.”
Coach Dina Abouzeid Sariñena, the mentor behind Mariam success, also shared her insights in an interview with BCA TV.
“This is very satisfying when you see players attaining their goals and after all their hard work, they are finally seeing the results now. A medal at Paris 2024 was the goal that we had set since the beginning, and I am extremely happy to see it bearing its fruits now. We have worked a lot and the preparation was tough. I am glad that Mariam trusted me, and I feel very proud today. This is just the start and Mariam is still very young. The best is yet to come. ” Coach Dina remarked.”
As Africa celebrates this historic win, Bolaji’s success will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of para-athletes across the continent. The BCA remains committed to nurturing and supporting athletes like Mariam Eniola Bolaji, ensuring that African badminton continues to thrive on the world stage. This achievement is not only a personal win for Bolaji but also a collective victory for African sport, paving the way for even greater accomplishments in the future.
