Eniola Bolaji: Nigerian Para-Badminton Star Reaches World No. 1
- Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji has reached the pinnacle of para-badminton, ascending to World No.
- Bolaji’s remarkable rise culminates a historic period for the multiple national and African champion, highlighted by a silver-medal performance at the 2026 World Para-Badminton Championship in Bahrain.
- Bolaji secured her place at the top of the world rankings following an impressive run to the final of the World Para-Badminton Championship, held at the New Capital...
Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji has reached the pinnacle of para-badminton, ascending to World No. 1 in the women’s SL3 category, according to the latest rankings released by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on .
Bolaji’s remarkable rise culminates a historic period for the multiple national and African champion, highlighted by a silver-medal performance at the .
Eniola Bolaji Became World No. 1 at Bahrain Para-Badminton
Bolaji secured her place at the top of the world rankings following an impressive run to the final of the World Para-Badminton Championship, held at the .
In the championship final, Bolaji narrowly missed out on the gold medal, losing 2–0 (21–12, 21–17) to Japan’s World No. 7, Shino Kawai. Despite the defeat, the runner-up finish earned Bolaji the crucial ranking points needed to reach the top of the global standings.
With this achievement, she dethroned Indonesia’s Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh, becoming the new World No. 1.
Bolaji also made history as the first African athlete to win a silver medal at the World Para-Badminton Championship, a significant milestone for the continent.
Egypt Triumph Boosted Her Rise
Bolaji’s ascent was further solidified by her success at the , where she successfully defended her title for the second consecutive year. That victory, combined with her silver medal in Bahrain, proved decisive in elevating her above the world’s elite in the SL3 category.
“The Biggest News of the Year” – BFN President Reacts
Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, hailed Bolaji’s achievement as a landmark moment for Nigerian badminton and African sport as a whole. He stated, “This is the biggest news of the year, Eniola Bolaji claiming the World No. 1 spot following her participation in the 2024 Paralympic Games.”
Orbih also noted, “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, already featuring in two major tournaments with outstanding performances.”
He continued, “This achievement is also a testament to the support and resources committed to para badminton by the National Sports Commission, the Abia State Government, and sponsors. Their continued backing has created the enabling environment for our athletes to train, compete, and excel on the global stage.”
Bolaji’s accomplishment marks her as the first athlete under any affiliate of the National Sports Commission to attain the top spot in global rankings.
Missing Gold, Making History
While many anticipated a gold medal for Bolaji in Bahrain, Orbih emphasized the significance of her overall achievement. “I know many Nigerians were expecting another gold medal, but we must recognize that other players are equally determined to dethrone her,” he said. “She has now become the first African to win a silver medal at the Para-Badminton World Championship.”
Orbih concluded, “The federation will continue to provide the necessary support as she prepares for upcoming tournaments. We are confident she will continue to make Nigeria and Africa proud.”