Nigerian para-badminton sensation and Paralympic bronze medalist, Eniola Bolaji, has clinched the prestigious 2024 Africa Women in Badminton Award (AWIBA), cementing her place as one of the continent’s most inspiring athletes.
The award was presented during the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA) Annual General Meeting held on Thursday, April 24, in China. Bolaji’s remarkable journey, decorated with multiple African championship titles, continues to break barriers and redefine excellence in para-badminton.
With this accolade, Bolaji becomes only the second Nigerian woman to be honored with the AWIBA, following in the footsteps of veteran player Obiageli Solaja, who received the award in 2019. Her triumph is being hailed as a milestone not just for Nigeria, but for African para-athletes at large.
Receiving the award on her behalf, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, described the recognition as both timely and richly deserved. He lauded Bolaji’s unmatched dedication, resilience, and impact on the sport, stating that her achievements have become a beacon of hope for many aspiring athletes across the continent.
“I am extremely proud of Eniola Bolaji,” Orbih said. “This award from the BCA is a reflection of her relentless pursuit of greatness. As the first African to win a medal in badminton or para-badminton at the Paralympic Games, she is only just beginning her journey on the global stage. Her story is one that will inspire generations.”
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Orbih also commended the new leadership of the National Sports Commission under Shehu Dikko, praising their commitment to revitalizing sports in Nigeria and supporting athletes like Bolaji who are flying the country’s flag internationally.
Looking ahead, Orbih revealed that Nigeria is preparing to host a global para-badminton championship in Abia State between September and October this year. He expressed confidence in the country’s ability to deliver a world-class tournament that will further elevate Nigeria’s standing in the international badminton community.
“This is an exciting time for Nigerian badminton. We are ready to raise the bar and showcase our potential to the world,” he added.
Eniola Bolaji’s victory adds to an elite list of past AWIBA winners, including Gretha Prinsloo (South Africa, 2018), Hadia Hosny (Egypt, 2020), Lynn Du Preez (Namibia, 2021), Awatef Ghalloussi (Tunisia, 2022), and Harriet Semugabi (Uganda, 2023).
Her triumph is not just a personal win—it is a historic nod to the power of perseverance, representation, and the rising influence of African women in global sports.
