NIGERIAN pair Mariam Bolaji and Jeremiah Chigozie have earned spots in the para badminton event of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games coming up from August 28 to September 8 in the French capital.
According to the Badminton World Federation, multiple-times African champion Bolaji will represent Nigeria in the women’s singles Standing Lower 3 (SL3) while Chigozie will compete in the men’s singles Standing Lower 4 (SL4).
Badminton Federation of Nigeria president Francis Orbih said the qualification of Bolaji and Chigozie is a testimony of hard work, consistency and perseverance.
“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 noted.
“I am full of joy because the sacrifices of the players and the Federation were not in vain.
“Mariam Bolaji and Jeremiah Chigozie have consistently attended the African Championship, winning gold medals in the singles and doubles events.
“Last month, Mariam Bolaji won two gold medals at the Spanish Internationals in Victoria and Toledo, putting her in a better position to make it to the Paralympics, which has become a reality.
“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 appealed to well-meaning individuals to support the Badminton Federation of Nigeria in ensuring the athletes get maximum support ahead of the Olympic/Paralympic Games in Paris.
“I will not get tired of calling on the Federal Government of Nigeria and the private sector to key into our brand and give more support to the Badminton Federation of Nigeria,” he said.
“We have athletes who are marketable and will sell their brands to the world with their sterling performances”.
Bolaji won her first gold medal at the Spanish Para Badminton International 2021, beating Oksana Kozyna from Ukraine in the final.
She also won the women’s singles SL3 at the Uganda Para Badminton International 2023 and All African Para Badminton Championship 2023 (Doubles and Mixed Doubles).
She added gold medals at the 5th Fazza Dubai Para Badminton International 2023, Egypt Para Badminton International 2024, World Para Badminton Championship 2024 in Thailand and Spanish Para Badminton International 2024.
Bolaji is also the first African player to be ranked among the top 10 in the BWF world rankings as she is currently No.5 in the world.
On his part, Chigozie won a bronze medal at the Uganda Para Badminton International 2023 and three gold medals at African Para Badminton Championship 2023.
He reached the quarter finals in the men’s singles SL4 category in Thailand and is currently ranked No.16 in the recent BWF ranking.
