Nigeria Para Badminton player, Mariam Bolaji has won a gold medal to make history at the Spanish Para Badminton International 2024 Level 1 tournament in Toledo, Spain.

Bolaji beat World number 5 Mandeep Kaur from India 2-0 (21-17, 21-17) to clinch the Gold medal and remain unbeaten in two Spanish Internationals in one week.

In a stunning display of skill and determination, Bolaji faced off against some of the world’s top-ranked players and emerged victorious in every match she played.

In the first round, she defeated Coraline Bergeron from France in two straight sets 2-0 (21-9, 21-17). Bolaji continued her winning streak in the second round, defeating Parul Dalsukhbhai Parmer from India 2-0 (21-9, 21-7).

In the crucial third round, Mariam faced a formidable opponent in Manasi Girishchandra Jochi, the World number 4.

The match was intense, with both players giving it their all. In the end, Mariam emerged victorious with a 2-0 win (22-20, 21-10). With this win, Mariam secured the top spot in the group, booking her place in the semi-finals of the tournament.

Now, in the semi-final round, Mariam faced the seeded number one player in the tournament and World number 3, Halime Yildiz from Turkey. Despite the tough competition, Mariam showed her strength and determination, defeating her opponent 2-0 (21-16, 21-8). This impressive victory earned her a spot in the much-anticipated final match.

The President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih said Bolaji has proven that her feat in Victoria a week ago was not a fluke.

Orbih also emphasised the importance of supporting and investing in athletes like Eniola, who continue to excel and bring honour to the country on the global stage.  

He said, “She has proven herself to be a formidable competitor and a force to be reckoned with. Her dedication, hard work, and talent have earned her this well-deserved win, and we are incredibly proud of her achievements.”

He highlighted the need for more resources, training facilities, and opportunities for para badminton players in Nigeria, so that they can reach their full potential and compete at the highest level.

“Eniola’s victory is not only a personal triumph for her, but also a victory for Nigeria and for the sport of para badminton. It is a testament to the talent and determination of Nigerian athletes, and a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work, perseverance, and support from the federation and the community”

Orbih concluded by expressing his confidence in Eniola’s future success and his belief that she will continue to make Nigeria proud by winning a medal at the Paralympic Games in Paris next July.

Nigeria Para Badminton star, Mariam Eniola Bolaji has won the women’s singles SL3 title at the just concluded Spanish Para Badminton International 2024 in Victoria, Spain.

The world number 10 overwhelmed world number 6 Oksana Kozyna from Ukraine 2-0 (21-13, 21-8) to clinch the gold medal over the weekend.

Bolaji had defeated world number 13 Emona Ivanova (Bulgaria) 2-0 (21-4, 21-8) to set up a clash with the 2023 silver medallist in the finals.

In round two, Mariam Bolaji defeated India’s Mandeep Kaur Mandeep, seeded number one 2-0 (21-10, 21-8). Earlier, Bolaji beat Victoria Bailey of England 2-0 (21-5, 21-4) in round one of the 2024 Spanish International.

The President, Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih expressed delight over the latest victory of gold medallist, Mariam Eniola Bolaji.

Orbih said Eniola’s performance has been encouraging, adding that she has become a force in world Para Badminton.

He said, “I am excited Mariam Eniola Bolaji has won her second Spanish International since making her debut in 2021. Bolaji won her first gold medal in 2021 and made history in 2024 by winning the gold medal against highly experienced Oksana Kozyna. Kozyna (World number 6) who had a better edge looking at the statistics because she placed second in 2023 but Bolaji showed class in the final with her spectacular performance in the final.

“On behalf of the Badminton community, I want to commend Bolaji for her dedication. Determination and zeal. Her performance has been encouraging since she broke into the limelight and she has become a force to reckon with.

“The Paris Paralympic Games is fast approaching and the Federation will do everything within its powers to see that she gets adequate attention because she stands a better chance of winning a medal for Nigeria”.