Orbih showers praises on her

The President of the Nigeria Badminton Federation, Francis Orbih, Esq., is satisfied and delighted with the remarkable feat Mariam Eniola Bolaji has achieved at the event, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

According to him, the Badminton family feel very proud to be associated with this very moment that history was made, not just for Nigerians, but for the entire continent. Eniola was the first African athlete to win a medal in Para-Badminton, winning a Bronze medal for Nigeria in the women’s Singles SL3.

She defeated her Ukrainian opponent, Oksana Kozyna, in straight sets 2-0 (21-9, 21-9) to win Nigeria’s 1st Paralympics medal in Paris.

Speaking in Abuja, Francis Orbih said helping Eniola’s course at the event was a result of the support and encouragement she received from BFN in exposing her to international play before the start of the Paralympics.

He also expressed confidence that by the 2028 Paralympic games, Eniola will usurp this present performance to clinch gold for the country.

“Seriously every member of the badminton family, particularly every Nigerian feels very proud to be associated with this very moment that history has been made.

“Eniola was the first African to win a medal either at the para or the normal Olympics, it’s a moment of joy and we’re very happy.

“What we needed to do as a federation was to give her enough support, and encouragement and expose her to more international play, and if at 18 she’s already been able to win a bronze medal, you can imagine what she’ll be before the next Olympic and am confident before then, she’ll become the world champion.

“Eniola’s victory is a preparatory ground for something big to happen to Para badminton in Nigeria,” he stated.