Para badminton duo soar to Paris 2024 for Nigeria’s debut outing

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The Badminton World Federation has confirmed that two athletes will represent Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games starting on 28th August in France. 

Nigeria will be represented in para-badminton at the Paralympic Games for the first time.

Multiple African Champion Mariam Eniola Bolaji will showcase her skills in the Women’s Singles Standing Lower 3 (SL3) category, while Jeremiah Chigozie will represent the nation in the Men’s Singles Standing Lower 4 (SL4) event.

Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), sees the qualification as a testament to the athletes’ relentless hard work, consistency, and perseverance. He emphasized on Nigeria’s strong medal potential, citing Bolaji and Chigozie’s impressive track record of gold medals at the African Championships.

“Today, history has been made as two players for the first time will be representing Nigeria in the para badminton event at the Paralympic Games,” Orbih said. “I am full of joy because the sacrifices of the players and the Federation were not in vain.”

Bolaji, currently ranked 5th in the world, has been on a roll this season, including victories at the Spanish Para Badminton International tournaments. Chigozie, ranked 16th globally, also boasts a strong showing with a bronze medal at the Uganda Para Badminton International and a trio of gold medals at the African Championships.

Orbih believes that with proper training camps, international exposure, and adequate funding, Nigeria has a real shot at claiming a Para Badminton medal in Paris.

“With adequate camping, foreign tours and proper funding, I believe Nigeria will win a medal in the Para Badminton event when we make our debut this year,” Orbih declared.