Mariam Eniola Bolaji has set a new African record by becoming the first player from the continent to win a medal in the badminton event at the Paralympic Games.
She expressed her excitement about her success in Paris, describing it as a significant boost for the sport.
Despite narrowly missing out on the final after a 2-0 loss to the eventual gold medallist from China, Bolaji was disappointed with her semifinal defeat.
However, she bounced back to secure a bronze medal with a 2-0 victory over Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna, claiming the first medal for Team Nigeria in Paris.
“It was a great relief to me to come this far within the shortest period of my career. I am glad and give all glory to Almighty God for the success we are celebrating today,” she said.
She added, “I am happy for the success and want to appreciate everyone who contributed to my success story from my humble beginnings to this stage.”
Bolaji showed her class as the number three seed, remaining unbeaten in the group stage until she was edged out of the final by her Chinese opponent to settle for bronze and a dominant win over her Ukrainian opponent.