The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh, has praised Mariam Bolaji for securing Nigeria’s first medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Bolaji clinched a bronze in the Para badminton Women’s singles SL3 event on Monday, defeating Kozyna Oksana of Ukraine with scores of 21-9, 21-9.With the feat, Bolaji becomes the first Nigerian and indeed African to win a medal in para-badminton.
“You all can do it for yourselves and for the country,” Enoh who was on ground in Paris to motivate her and other athletes to victory said. “As a ministry, we have made available what you need, make all of the sports-loving people of Nigeria proud of you, fly the nation’s flag very high in Paris.
“I believe in your capacity. Having done all we should as government, we are rooting for you. It is now over to you to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.” Enoh said.
The minister specifically thanked Bolaji for winning the medal for her late coach and the country, while urging other athletes to also ensure podium finish in the various sports.
In a related development, the President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN, Francis Orbih, is thrilled over Bolaji’s feat in Paris.
He described Bolaji’s emergence as the first Nigerian and African athlete to win an Olympic or Paralympic medal in badminton as a ‘very rough ride’, adding the bronze medal finish was due to the effort and investment both on the part of the federation and more importantly, from the player herself.
He added: “The path to reaching this remarkable milestone was made possible by a collective of public, private and individual efforts, in which the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA), Federal Ministry of Sports Development, late Coach Bello Oyebanji, Dina Sarinena, States like Abia and Kaduna states, Corporate organizations like Mikano International, GIG Group and Owu Sportswear all played crucial roles and were very supportive throughout the journey.”
“Eniola’s remarkable victory is a testament to her unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Her hard work and perseverance has paid off, not only for herself but for the entire Nigerian sporting community.
“The BFN extends its heartfelt congratulations to Eniola Mariam Bolaji for her outstanding performance. Her achievement is a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes across Africa and Nigeria making it a proud moment for us all.”