Nigeria’s para-badminton sensation, Eniola Bolaji has reached the very summit of world badminton, rising to World No. 1 in the women’s SL3 category in the latest rankings released by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Bolaji’s remarkable ascent crowns a historic few months for the multiple national and African champion, whose silver-medal heroics at the 2026 World Para-Badminton Championship in Bahrain rewrote both Nigerian and African sporting history.
Eniola Bolaji Became World No. 1 at Bahrain Para-Badminton
Bolaji sealed her place at the top of the world rankings after an outstanding run to the final of the World Para-Badminton Championship, staged at the New Capital Hall, Bahrain, on February 14.
In the final, the Nigerian star narrowly missed out on gold, falling 2–0 (21–12, 21–17) to Japan’s World No. 7, Shino Kawai.
Despite the defeat, the runner-up finish earned Bolaji crucial ranking points that propelled her to the top of the global standings.
In the process, she dethroned Indonesia’s Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh to become the new World No. 1.
Crucially, Bolaji also became the first African athlete ever to win a silver medal at the World Para-Badminton Championship, a milestone achievement for the continent.
Egypt Triumph Boosted Her Rise
Bolaji’s surge up the rankings was further strengthened by her success at the Egypt International in January, where she successfully defended her title for the second consecutive year.
That victory, combined with her Bahrain silver, proved decisive in pushing her above the rest of the world’s elite in the SL3 category.
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“The Biggest News of the Year” – BFN President Reacts
President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, described Bolaji’s achievement as a landmark moment not just for Nigerian badminton, but for African sport as a whole.
He said, word for word:
“This is the biggest news of the year, 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, already featuring in two major tournaments with outstanding performances.”
“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 emergence as World No. 1 also makes her 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 fans had hoped for another gold medal in Bahrain, Orbih urged Nigerians to recognise the scale of Bolaji’s accomplishment.
“I know many Nigerians were expecting another gold medal, but we must recognize that other players are equally determined to dethrone her.”
“She has now become the first African to win a silver medal at the Para-Badminton World Championship.”
He added:
“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.”
