Nigeria has a new world number one in para badminton, and her name is Eniola Bolaji. The 20-year-old star has climbed to the top of the women’s SL3 rankings following the latest release by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
The ranking update comes on the back of her silver medal finish at the 2026 World Para Badminton Championship in Bahrain, where she battled through a competitive field to reach the final. Though she fell short of gold, her run was enough to move her past Indonesia’s Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh and into the number one spot globally.
For Nigerian badminton, it is a moment that speaks to years of steady progress in para sport.
Silver in Bahrain, Summit in the Rankings
Bolaji’s route to the final in Bahrain was commanding. She handled her early matches with control before defeating China’s Gaoying Yuan in straight sets in the semi-final. In the final at the New Capital Hall, she faced Japan’s Shino Kawai and lost 21–12, 21–17. The scoreline did not fully reflect the intensity of the contest, but it confirmed her place as one of the leading figures in the category.
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That silver medal carried weight beyond the podium. It made her one of the first African athletes to win a medal at the World Para Badminton Championship. More importantly, the ranking points secured in Bahrain proved decisive in pushing her to world number one.
Her rise was also strengthened by her victory at the Egypt International in January, where she defended her title for the second straight year. Those consistent performances across major tournaments have now translated into the highest individual ranking in the sport.
Building on Paralympic Momentum
Bolaji’s ascent has not happened overnight. She had already drawn global attention with her bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. That performance established her as a genuine contender at the highest level.According to the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, her latest achievement reflects deliberate planning and sustained backing for para badminton in the country. He noted that injuries and limited tournament participation last season slowed her climb, but her return to full fitness has been clear in recent months.
The federation also acknowledged the role of the National Sports Commission, the Abia State Government, and GIG Logistics in providing support structures that allow athletes to travel, train, and compete consistently.Bolaji’s consistency stands out. She does not rely on isolated performances. Across championships and international opens, she has maintained a standard that keeps her in finals and on podiums. That reliability is what often separates contenders from ranking leaders.
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What World No. 1 Means for Nigeria
Nigeria has produced strong para athletes across different sports, but a world number one ranking in badminton carries special significance. It places the country at the centre of conversations in a sport traditionally dominated by Asian and European nations.
For young athletes watching from home, Bolaji’s rise provides a visible pathway. The SL3 category, which features players with lower limb impairments competing without a wheelchair, demands agility, balance, and tactical awareness. Bolaji’s game blends defensive discipline with sharp net play, attributes that have grown sharper with each tournament.
With the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games on the horizon, the timing of her rise could not be better. As world number one, she will enter future competitions as the player others are studying and preparing to challenge.
The next phase of her season will test how she handles that target. Staying at the top requires consistency, composure, and constant adjustment. Bolaji has already shown she possesses those qualities.
For now, the ranking tells a clear story: Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji sits at the summit of world para badminton.
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