-Pix above: Eniola Mariam Bolaji
Eniola Mariam Bolaji has become the first African athlete to win a medal in Para-Badminton, winning a Bronze medal for Nigeria in the women’s Singles SL3.
The 18-year-old defeated her Ukrainian opponent, Oksana Kozyna, in straight sets 2-0 (21-9, 21-9), to win Nigeria’s 1st Paralympics medal in Paris on Monday, September 1.
Bolaji, who had her eyes on gold, lost 2-0(16-21, 17-21) to China’s Zuxian Xiao in the semi-final on Sunday, but ended up winning bronze on Monday, September 2.
The teenager entered the Paralympics in Paris as one of the favourites for the crown after victories in tournaments in Egypt and Spain./agency/