Nigeria’s para badminton star Eniola Bolaji has been officially ranked World No. 1 in the women’s SL3 category, marking a historic breakthrough for both Nigeria and the African continent.
The latest rankings released on February 17 by the Badminton World Federation confirmed her ascent to the top, following a standout performance at the 2026 World Para Badminton Championship in Bahrain, where she secured a silver medal.
Bolaji delivered an impressive run to the final, before narrowly losing 2–0 (21–12, 21–17) to Japan’s Shino Kawai on February 14 at the New Capital Hall.
Despite missing out on gold, her performance secured a historic milestone, making her the first African to win a silver medal at the Para-Badminton World Championship.
Her achievement also saw her displace Indonesia’s Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh from the top spot, signaling a major shift in global rankings.
President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, described Bolaji’s rise as a defining moment for Nigerian sports.
“This is the biggest news of the year. Eniola claiming the World No. 1 spot reflects her resilience and the structured support behind her journey. She regained stability last season and has carried that momentum into this year with outstanding performances.”
Orbih noted that while expectations were high for gold, her silver medal and ranking achievement remain extraordinary.
“Other players are equally determined to dethrone her. What she has achieved is historic. She has opened the door for Africa.”
Bolaji’s rise was built on consistent performances, including successfully defending her Egypt International title earlier this year, which strengthened her position in the global rankings.
Her success has also been supported by key institutions, including the National Sports Commission, the Abia State Government, and private sector partners, who have contributed to her training and international exposure.
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