Nigeria’s para-badminton sensation, Eniola Bolaji, has risen to World No. 1 in the women’s SL3 category, according to the latest rankings released on Tuesday by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
Bolaji’s ascent follows her impressive silver-medal performance at the 2026 World Para Badminton Championship in Bahrain.
She fell 2–0 (21–12, 21–17) in the final to Japan’s seventh-ranked Shino Kawai at the New Capital Hall on February 14, but her overall performance was enough to propel her to the top of the global standings.
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A multiple national and African champion, Bolaji dethroned Indonesia’s Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh to claim the No. 1 spot.
Her rise was further strengthened by her victory at the Egypt International in January, where she successfully defended her title for the second consecutive year.
President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, described the achievement as a landmark moment for both Nigeria and the African continent.
He noted that Bolaji’s success reflects years of intentional investment and structured development of para-badminton in the country.
Orbih added that Bolaji might have reached the summit earlier had she competed in more tournaments last year, highlighting her regained form and consistency since the 2024 Paralympic Games.
He commended her strong performances in two major tournaments this year, which cemented her rise.
He also acknowledged the contributions of key stakeholders, including the National Sports Commission, the Abia State Government, and GIG Logistics, whose support he said has provided athletes with the resources and environment needed to compete globally.
While many Nigerians had hoped for a gold medal, Orbih commended Bolaji’s resilience, noting that she has now become the first African to win a silver medal at the World Para-Badminton Championship.
He assured that the federation would continue to back her preparations for upcoming competitions.
Bolaji’s elevation to World No. 1 marks another significant milestone in her career, reinforcing her status as one of the leading figures in global para-badminton.
