African Champion, Eniola Bolaji has shifted focus to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, www.aclsports.com reports. Eniola Bolaji will represent Nigeria in the women’s SL3 category at the Paralympics which will be held between 29th August to 2nd September at the La Chapelle Arena in Paris, France.
The World number three told www.aclsports.com that she is not under pressure to win a medal for the country at the Games, expressing delight to be the first female para-badminton player to feature at the Paralympics.
Bolaji revealed that the last four months in Spain have exposed her to standard facilities and new techniques in the game.
She said, “All my attention has been shifted to the biggest sports event in the world, the Paralympics. The dream of every para-athlete is to be at the Paralympics and ultimately win a medal.
“After my international engagements in Spain four months ago, the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) in collaboration with Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA) in their wisdom made a great move for me to remain in Spain and train hard. I am happy the plan worked out because I have access to one of the best training facilities in the world, which has helped shape my playing pattern. I am a much better player and cannot be compared to when I trained strictly in Nigeria”.
“It is a thing of joy becoming the first Nigerian to qualify for the para-badminton event; I am not under pressure to win a medal for my country. The para powerlifters and para-athletics team have regularly attended the Paralympics, and people know their capabilities. I assure you that the para-badminton athletes will not disappoint the family”.
The multiple National Champions revealed that winning a medal for Nigeria at the Paralympics means the efforts of her late coach, Bello Oyebanji is not in vain.
She said, “I wished my coach, Late Bello Oyebanji were alive to see the progress I have made in para badminton. Winning any colour of a medal at the Paralympics will be dedicated to Bello Oyebanji (Late), all the para badminton players as well as the badminton community. I want to thank Kwara State Government, the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, and the Badminton Confederation Africa for their support in ensuring I become a better player.”
