Nigerian paralympian Mariam Bolaji loses semifinal match

Nigeria’s medal hopes remain alive at the ongoing 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, in spite of Mariam Bolaji’s semifinal loss to Chinese opponent Zuxian Xiao in the women’s SL3 badminton event on Sunday.

Bolaji will now shift her focus to the bronze medal match, scheduled for Monday, where she will face Ukrainian Oksana Kozyna.

This opportunity ensures that Nigeria’s quest for a medal at the Games remains on track, with Bolaji determined to make a mark on the podium.

It was reported that Bolaji had previously dispatched her quarterfinal opponent, Kaur Mandeep, 2-0, winning 21-8 in the first set and 21-9 in the second set.

It was also reported that the result set her up against Xiao, who recorded a 21-16 victory over her in the first set.

Bolaji came out stronger in the second set but ultimately lost 21-17.

Meanwhile, Bolaji and Chigozie Nnanna have made history as the first players from Africa to win a match at the Paralympic Games.