The 19-year-old was named the winner by the Badminton Confederation of Africa on Thursday.

Bolaji is the second Nigerian to win the coveted prize since Obiageli Solaja in 2019.

Bolaji had an impressive 2024, during which she won bronze in the women’s para badminton SL3 category. She became the first African, male or female, to win an Olympic or Paralympic medal.

The teenager has also continued her impressive form into 2025.

She won three international gold medals within the first three months of the year.

Bolaji won a  held in Cairo, Egypt, at the end of January.

She also the level two of the Spanish Para-badminton International tournament on March 9.

Then, a week later, she topped her momentum with another gold medal in the level one of the Spanish Para-badminton International tournament.

Over the past two years, Bolaji has participated in 12 international championships, winning all of them.