Mariam Bolaji bounced back from the semifinal loss to Z.X. Xiao of China in the para-badminton women’s singles SL3 event to win bronze and hand Team Nigeria its first medal in the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

She beats Kozyna Oksana of Ukraine 21-9, 21-9 in the bronze medal match this morning. Bolaji had been tipped as one player to win gold in the event after an impressive showing at the international championships in Egypt and Spain weeks ago.

However, the 18-year-old lost to Xiao in a keenly contested semifinal that ended 21-16, 21-17 on Sunday. She bounced back yesterday morning to claim the bronze medal and became the first player from Africa to win a medal in badminton at the Paralympics or Olympics.

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