Nigeria’s Isau Ogunkunle has claimed a bronze medal at the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in France, marking the country’s first Singles Paralympic medal since the Sydney 2000 Games, thanks to his remarkable performance in the Men’s Singles Class 4.
In 2000, Tajudeen Agunbiade and Alabi Olufemi won gold and bronze in the Class 9 Men’s Singles, and now Ogunkunle has revived Nigeria’s legacy in the sport, securing the nation’s fifth medal at Paris 2024.
Although his pursuit of gold ended in the semifinals against Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Kim Young-Gun, where he lost 3-1, Ogunkunle’s journey was impressive.
In the Round of 16, he caused a major upset by defeating reigning Paralympic champion Abdullah Ozturk of Turkey, 3-1 (6-11, 11-6, 11-7, 12-10).
He followed that with a 3-1 victory (9-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-6) over Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Maxime Thomas of France in the quarterfinals, securing his place in the final four and guaranteeing Nigeria a historic singles medal.