Nigeria's star, Bolaji, on Monday morning, defeated her Ukrainian opponent, Oksana Kozyna in straight sets 2-0 (21-9, 21-9), to win Nigeria’s 1st medal for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
The Nigerian Para-Badminton star dedicated her medal to her late coach, Bello Rafiu Oyebanji, who tragically passed away in a motor accident three years ago.
She achieved this historic milestone at the ongoing Paralympic Games in France, where she became the first African to reach the semifinals of the Para-Badminton event and has now won the bronze medal.
“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.
Bolaji reportedly had her eyes on the gold medal, compelling her to put up a valiant effort, but she lost ultimately 2-0(16-21, 17-21) to China’s Zuxian Xiao in the semi-final on Sunday in the women’s Singles SL3 event.
On Sunday the Badminton athlete reportedly assured her fans of making up with the bronze medal on Monday.
Bolaji secured a spot in the last four with a straight-set victory over World’s No. 5, India’s Mandeep Kaur in the women’s Singles SL3 quarterfinals, winning 2-0 (21-8, 21-9) on Sunday.
Prior to her major win, the Nigerian athlete's performance was impressive, earning her a spot in the already-concluded medal match.
Regardless of the intense fight, the Para-Badminton star lost 2-0 (16-21, 17-21), narrowly missing a chance to compete for the gold medal.
Bolaji’s expedition to the semifinals was historic, as she became the first African Para-athlete to reach the last four in the Para-Badminton event.
Nigerians will be happy to see that the medal drought for Nigeria has finally ended, after medal-less outings at the Olympic Games, and the recently concluded World U-20 Athletics Championship.
According to reports, she has claimed victory at the Uganda PB International, securing a triple crown at the Africa championships.
The Bronze medalist reportedly 2023 with a title in Dubai, also continuing her form into 2024 she began with another triple crown at the Egypt PB International.
