Joe
Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji, Africa’s leading badminton player, has dedicated her 2024 Paralympic bronze medal to her late coach, Bello Oyebanji, who passed away in a tragic car accident in 2021.
Bolaji secured the bronze after a decisive victory against Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna in the women’s Standing Lower (SL3) singles third-place match in France. Her win marks a historic moment, as she becomes the first African to reach the podium in Paralympic badminton and the first to advance to the event’s semifinals.
In an emotional message shared on social media, Bolaji expressed her gratitude and paid tribute to her former coach. “It was an incredible round-up as I secured a bronze medal for myself, my country, my supporters, and Africa at large at the 2024 Paralympics. God willing, I dedicate this achievement to my late coach, Bello Oyebanji. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she wrote.
Bolaji’s path to the bronze medal was not easy. She narrowly missed the finals after a hard-fought semifinal against China’s Xiao Zuxian, losing 16-21, 17-21. Determined to secure a medal, she dominated the bronze medal match, defeating Kozyna 2-0 (21-9, 21-9).
Her success continues the legacy of her late coach Oyebanji, who was a triple gold medalist at the 2018 African Para-Badminton Championships. Bolaji’s victory is a testament to his influence and the enduring spirit of Nigerian sportsmanship.
