Paralympic bronze medalist Eniola Bolaji has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Africa Women in Badminton Award for her exceptional achievements and contributions to para-badminton.
The recognition was bestowed upon her during the Badminton Confederation Africa Annual General Meeting held on Thursday in China
Bolaji, a multiple-time African champion, becomes the second Nigerian to receive this esteemed award, following in the footsteps of veteran badminton player Obiageli Solaja, who was recognized in 2019.
The award was accepted on Bolaji’s behalf by Francis Orbih, the president of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, who praised the recognition as timely and well-deserved. Orbih commended Bolaji for her pioneering accomplishments and her significant role in advancing para-badminton across Africa.
“I am extremely proud of Eniola Bolaji. This award acknowledges her remarkable progress and achievements,” Orbih said. “As the first African to win a medal in badminton or para-badminton at the Olympics or Paralympics, she is just beginning to make her mark on the global stage.”
Orbih emphasized that this award not only serves as motivation for Bolaji but also inspires the next generation of Nigerian and African para-badminton players. He noted that the recognition highlights how their hard work and determination are being celebrated on the global stage.
Looking ahead, Orbih confirmed Nigeria’s plans to host two international para-badminton championships in Abia State this September and October, promising top-tier events that will set a new standard for Nigerian badminton.
“The upcoming international events in Nigeria will be world-class. This is a major moment for Nigerian badminton, and we aim to set a new benchmark,” he added.
The Africa Women in Badminton Award has been previously awarded to several influential figures, including Gretha Prinsloo (South Africa) in 2018, Obiageli Solaja (Nigeria) in 2019, Hadia Hosny (Egypt) in 2020, Lynn Du Preez (Namibia) in 2021, Awatef Ghalloussi (Tunisia) in 2022, and Harriet Semugabi (Uganda) in 2023.
