Nigeria’s para-badminton sensation, Eniola Bolaji, has reached the pinnacle of the sport, climbing to World No. 1 in the women’s SL3 category, according to the latest rankings released by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on February 17, 2026.
Bolaji’s meteoric rise follows her impressive silver medal performance at the 2026 World Para Badminton Championship in Bahrain. She fell 2–0 (21–12, 21–17) to Japan’s world No. 7, Shino Kawai, in the final held at the New Capital Hall on February 14.
The multiple national and African champion dethroned Indonesia’s Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh from the top spot, bolstered by her consecutive title defense at the Egypt International in January.
President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, hailed Bolaji’s achievement as a historic milestone for both Nigeria and Africa.
“This is the biggest news of the year. Eniola’s World No. 1 ranking reflects deliberate investment and structured support for para-badminton in Nigeria,” he said.
Orbih credited the National Sports Commission, Abia State Government, and GIG Logistics for providing the resources and environment that allowed Bolaji to train and compete at the highest level.
“Although she narrowly missed out on gold, Eniola has become the first African to win a silver medal at the Para-Badminton World Championship,” Orbih noted.
“Her resilience and dedication set a benchmark for upcoming Nigerian and African para-athletes.”
Bolaji’s ascension to the top of the world rankings underscores her remarkable journey and solidifies her status as one of the leading figures in global para-badminton.
With upcoming tournaments on the horizon, Nigeria and Africa will be watching as she continues to shine on the international stage.
