Eniola Bolaji wins 2024 Africa Women in Badminton Award

Eniola Bolaji wins 2024 Africa Women in Badminton Award.

The Paralympic bronze medal, Eniola Bolaji, has been appointed recipient of Africa Women in Badminton Award (Awiba) of 2024, in recognition of his exceptional successes and his stimulating journey to Para-Badminton.

The prestigious prize was awarded during the annual general meeting of the Badminton Africa Confederation (BCA) held on Thursday 24 April in China.

Bolaji, an African champion several times, becomes the second Nigerian to receive the honor, following in the footsteps of the veteran of Badminton Obiageli Solaja who received the prize in 2019.

Receiving the prize on his behalf, president of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, he described the recognition as timely and deserved. He praised Bolaji’s dedication and pioneering results, noting his impact on the growth of Para-Badminton in Africa.

“I am extremely proud of Eniola Bolaji. This prize reflects the recognition of the BCA of his significant progress,” said ORBIH. “As a first African to win a medal in Badminton or Para-Badminton at the Olympics or Paralympics, I think he is just starting to leave his mark on the global scene.

“This award will not only motivate Heniola, but will also inspire a new generation of Nigerian and African para-badminton players. It shows that their efforts are noticed and celebrated.”

Orbih has also extended his appreciation to the new leadership of the National Sports Commission, led by Shehu Dikko, for the way they have continually shown that there is a breath of fresh air in sports in Nigeria.

Looking to the future, ORBIH has highlighted the promptness of Nigeria to host two international para-badminton championships in the state of Abia this September/October.

“We can’t wait to organize world -class events. This is an exciting moment for the Nigerian Badminton and we intend to set up a new point of reference,” he added.

Previous winners of Awiba:

• 2018 – Gretha Prinsloo (South Africa)

• 2019 – Obiageli Solaja (Nigeria)

• 2020 – Hadia Hosny (Egypt)

• 2021 – Lynn du preez (Namibia)

• 2022 – Awatef Ghalloussi (Tunisia)

• 2023 – Harriet Segugabi (Uganda)