Paralympic bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji has been honoured with the 2024 Africa Women in Badminton Award (AWIBA). The award recognises her exceptional achievements and her inspiring path in para-badminton.

The award was presented at the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA) Annual General Meeting on Thursday, April 24, in China.

Bolaji, a multiple-time African champion, is the second Nigerian to receive this honour. Obiageli Solaja, a badminton veteran, was the first Nigerian recipient in 2019.

The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) President, Francis Orbih, accepted the award on her behalf. He called the recognition both timely and deserved. Orbih praised Bolaji’s dedication and her trailblazing achievements. He emphasised her influence on the development of para-badminton across Africa.

“I am very proud of Eniola Bolaji,” Orbih said. “This award shows the BCA’s recognition of her progress. She is the first African to win a medal in badminton or para-badminton at the Olympics or Paralympics. She is just getting started on the world stage.”

Orbih added that the honour will boost Bolaji’s motivation and encourage young para-badminton players in Nigeria and across Africa. "It proves their efforts are being seen and appreciated."

He also thanked Nigeria’s new National Sports Commission leadership, led by Shehu Dikko. They have shown a fresh view on sports in Nigeria.

Looking ahead, Orbih announced Nigeria’s plans to host two major international para-badminton events in Abia State this September and October.

“We aim to deliver top-quality competitions. This is a big moment for Nigerian badminton, and we want to set new standards,” he said.

Previous AWIBA winners include: • 2018 – Gretha Prinsloo (South Africa) • 2019 – Obiageli Solaja (Nigeria) • 2020 – Hadia Hosny (Egypt) • 2021 – Lynn Du Preez (Namibia) • 2022 – Awatef Ghalloussi (Tunisia) • 2023 – Harriet Semugabi (Uganda)