The climb to the very top of world para-badminton has been gradual, calculated, and relentless. This week, that journey culminated in Eniola Bolaji being confirmed as the world’s No. 1 player in the women’s SL3 category, according to the latest rankings released on Tuesday by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
The new ranking places the Nigerian star ahead of Indonesia’s Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh, ending the Indonesian player’s reign at the summit and marking a significant milestone for both Nigeria and African para-badminton.
Bolaji’s ascent was powered by a series of high-level international outings rather than a single breakthrough. Central to that rise was her campaign at the 2026 World Para Badminton Championship in Bahrain, where she progressed to the final. The gold medal ultimately eluded her, as she fell 2–0 (21–12, 21–17) to Japan’s Shino Kawai, the world No. 7, in the championship match held at New Capital Hall on February 14. Even so, the silver-medal finish delivered crucial ranking points.
Momentum had already been building weeks earlier especially in January when Bolaji returned to the Egypt International and once again emerged champion, successfully defending her title for the second consecutive year, a result that significantly strengthened her standing in the global rankings.
Commenting on the achievement, Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, described Bolaji’s emergence as world number one as a defining moment for the sport. He noted that she had regained full competitive stability last season and has since carried that form into 2026, already competing in two major tournaments with strong results.
Orbih added that Bolaji’s current ranking could have been achieved earlier had she featured in more competitions last year, but praised her consistency and resilience since returning to full rhythm following the 2024 Paralympic Games.
He further highlighted the role of strategic backing in sustaining the athlete’s progress, acknowledging the contributions of the National Sports Commission, the Abia State Government, and GIG Logistics. According to him, their support has provided the structure and resources necessary for Nigerian para-badminton athletes to train, compete, and excel internationally.
A multiple national and African champion as well as an Olympic medallist, Bolaji’s elevation to the top of the world rankings now stands as one of the most significant achievements in Nigerian para-sport, underscoring the country’s growing influence on the global para-badminton stage.
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