Bolaji Wins Africa’s First Badminton Medal

Mariam Eniola Bolaji of Nigeria made history by becoming the first African athlete to win a badminton medal at an international Games. The 18-year-old secured a bronze in the women’s singles SL3 event at the Paris Paralympics on Monday.

Bolaji defeated Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna with a decisive 21-9, 21-9 victory, marking a significant achievement for both herself and the continent. This triumph comes three years after the tragic loss of her coach, Bello Oyebanji, who died in a road accident while Bolaji was preparing for the Tokyo Paralympics.

This win also represents Nigeria’s first medal at the Paris Paralympics.