Sports
Para Badminton: Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji Wins Gold, Seals 2024 Spot
Eniola Bolaji from Nigeria maintains her para badminton supremacy, securing a spot in next year’s Paris Paralympics through successful qualification.
Eniola Bolaji clinched the gold medal in the women’s singles at the 5th Pazza Dubai Para Badminton International 2023.
Her victory came by defeating the women ranked fifth, third, and first globally in the Women’s Singles of the SL-3 category during the championship.
Bolaji, who initially made waves with a win at the Spanish Open Para Badminton International during her debut in 2021, has remained undefeated in 2023.
Prior to this triumph, she secured victory at the Uganda International 2023 and then went on to claim three gold medals at the Africa Para Badminton Championships in Kampala, Uganda.
Eniola’s remarkable streak persisted at the Fazza Dubai Para Badminton International 2023 as she triumphed over the world’s number one player, Syakuroh Qonitah from Indonesia, securing the gold medal in the Women’s Singles SL3 category with a score of 21-7, 13-21, 21-11.
En route to the final, Eniola demonstrated her prowess in the championship. In the First Round, she defeated Emoma Ivanovna from Bulgaria with a commanding score of 21-10, 21-8, advancing to the Second Round.
There, she overcame Mandeep Kaur from India with a score of 21-16, 21-17 (2-0), securing her spot in the quarterfinals.
At the Quarter Final stage, Bolaji faced Manasi JOSHI, also from India, emerging victorious with scores of 21-13, 21-11, securing her place in the Semi-Final.
There, she battled against Zuxian XIAO from China, ultimately winning with a score of 21-13, 20-22, 21-15, earning her spot in the final.
Eniola’s impressive success in this championship has secured her qualification for the Paralympics in Paris next year.
President Francis Orbih of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria praised Eniola’s string of accomplishments, stating that considering the athlete’s determination and strong willpower, her victories didn’t come as a surprise.
Orbih reiterated the Federation’s commitment to backing all athletes representing Nigeria at any level and pledged continued support.
He conveyed his delight at the progress and extended congratulations to the player for this significant achievement.
In response, Bolaji expressed her gratitude to the Federations for their unwavering support.
She reacted after her victory stating “I am very thankful to Badminton Confederation of Africa and the Badminton Federation of Nigeria who have supported me and sent me to Spain.”
Ahead of their Euro 2024 quarter-final match against Switzerland, England faces a significant disciplinary dilemma.
Five players—Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Kobbie Mainoo, Kieran Trippier, and Conor Gallagher—are on the verge of suspension, each having received one yellow card during the tournament.
If any of these players should be booked again during the match, they would be suspended from the semi-final, should England advance.
Adding to England’s challenges, manager Gareth Southgate will be without Marc Guehi, who is suspended after receiving his second yellow card in the match against Slovakia.
Despite these setbacks, England secured their place in the quarter-finals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Slovakia on Sunday, highlighted by Jude Bellingham’s stunning overhead kick and Harry Kane’s late header.
Gareth Southgate’s team, pre-tournament favorites, has had a mixed campaign so far. They began with a nervy victory over Serbia and then drew with Denmark and Slovenia, yet managed to top Group C and move into the easier side of the draw.
Now, they face Switzerland, who eliminated European champions Italy, in what will be their toughest test yet.
The quarter-final match against Switzerland will take place in Düsseldorf on Saturday. If England succeeds, they will face either the Netherlands or Turkey in the semi-finals.
However, the potential suspensions of Bellingham, Foden, Mainoo, Trippier, and Gallagher loom large over the match.
Euro 2024 is set to enter its gripping quarter-final phase, featuring a clash of football titans from across the continent.
Following the conclusion of the round of 16, the stage is now set for an exhilarating lineup of matches.
See fixtures below:
Friday
Spain vs Germany at Stuttgart (1600)
Portugal vs France at Hamburg (1900)
Saturday
England vs Switzerland at Duesseldorf (1600)
Netherlands vs Turkey at Berlin (1900)
Football aficionados can anticipate thrilling encounters as these powerhouse teams vie for supremacy and a chance to advance to the prestigious semi-finals of Euro 2024.
The Netherlands clinched their first Euro quarter-final since 2008 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Romania in the last-16 match on Tuesday.
Donyell Malen starred with a brace, supported by Cody Gakpo’s opener in the first half.
Despite squandering numerous chances, the Dutch sealed their win as Gakpo set up Malen for the second goal before Malen dazzled with a spectacular solo effort in stoppage time.
Their next challenge awaits against either Turkey or Austria in the quarter-finals.
More to follow………….
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