Meet Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji, ranked world no.1 in para badminton

Eniola Bolaji has been confirmed as the world’s top women’s SL3 para-badminton player, becoming the first African athlete to reach No. 1 in the category.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) confirmed Bolaji’s rise to the summit of the global rankings on Tuesday, February 17, following a string of standout performances on the international circuit.

Her ascent was sealed after she claimed a silver medal at the 2026 World Para Badminton Championship in Bahrain. Bolaji powered her way into the final before falling 2–0 to Japan’s Shino Kawai on Valentine’s Day, a defeat that nevertheless marked a historic milestone for Nigerian and African badminton.

The ranking breakthrough was further boosted by her successful title defence at the Egypt International in January, which helped her accumulate enough points to overtake Indonesia’s Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh at the top of the standings.

Bolaji’s rise continues a trailblazing career that has consistently broken new ground. At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, she became the first African athlete to win a badminton medal at either the Olympics or Paralympics, securing a bronze medal and announcing Africa’s arrival on the global para-badminton stage.

Badminton Federation of Nigeria President Francis Orbih described the achievement as one of the biggest moments in Nigerian sports this year, noting that Bolaji’s ranking could have come earlier if she had competed in more tournaments last season.

“This is the biggest news of the year, with Eniola Bolaji claiming the world No. 1 spot following her participation in the 2024 Paralympic Games.

“She would likely have attained this position earlier if she had competed in more tournaments last year. She regained full stability last season and has carried that momentum into this year with outstanding performances,” he said.

He also credited the National Sports Commission, the Abia State Government and GIG Logistics for their support in enabling Bolaji to compete at the highest level.

Bolaji’s rise to world No. 1 marks a major milestone for Nigerian sport and underscores her growing status as one of the leading figures in global para-badminton.

Culled from vanguard