Nigeria’s para badminton sensation, Mariam Bolaji, has delivered an impressive performance, advancing to the next stage of the women’s singles SL3 event at the ongoing 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
Bolaji, who competed in Group B, secured her second victory to advance to the quarterfinals.
The African champion and world No. 2 outclassed Celine Vinot of Australia.
With this victory over the Australian, Bolaji set a record as the first African to reach the knockout stage of the Paralympic Games.
A debutant, Bolaji put up a strong performance from the start, winning the first game 21-8.
She maintained her form in the second game, overcoming spirited efforts from her opponent to clinch a 21-14 victory, completing a 2-0 sweep.
She was the only unbeaten player in her group.
In her opening group match, Bolaji overwhelmed India’s Mandeep Kaur with a 21-8, 21-14 win, securing another 2-0 victory.
Her success has propelled her into the knockout stage, where she will compete against other top players for a spot in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, Nigeria faced a setback as Chigozie Nnanna lost to Indonesia’s Fredy Setiawan in the men’s singles SL4 event.
Nnanna had earlier defeated Marcel Adam of Germany 2-0 in his first group match.
Nnanna struggled against Setiawan, losing the first game 21-12.
He put up a strong challenge in the second game but was edged out 24-22.
His advancement to the next stage will depend on the outcome of the match between Adam and Setiawan.
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