Sport minister elated as Eniola Bolaji clinches Nigeria’s first paralympic medal
By John Ogunsemore
The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh has celebrated Team Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji for winning the first Paralympic medal for the country and becoming first-ever African to win a medal in Para Badminton in the Paralympic Games.
Bolaji beat Ukraine’s Kozyna Oksana in straight sets, 2-0 (21-9, 21-9), in the third-place match held at La Chapelle Arena on Monday.
Bolaji, whose dream of winning gold was cut short by Chinese Xiao Zhuxian in the semi finals, said she is dedicating the medal to her late coach, Rafiu Oyebanji who died in a motor accident during her preparation for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
Director Information and PR of the ministry, Mrs. Kehinde Ajayi quoted the minister as eulogising the medallist her for not only writing the country’s name in the medal table but also for being the first African to win medal in Para Badminton.
“You have become the first African to win a medal in the Para Badminton in the Paralympic Games. Well done Star Girl. Thank you for doing it for your coach, yourself, and for your country. We are proud of you,” Enoh was quoted as saying.
