Nigerian para-badminton athlete Eniola Bolaji has made history, becoming the first African to rise to World No. 1 in Women’s SL3 Para-Badminton. This is according to the latest global rankings released by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
The milestone comes on the heels of her remarkable performance at the 2026 World Para Badminton Championship in Bahrain, where she advanced to the final and claimed a silver medal in the women’s SL3 category. Although she lost 2–0 (21–12, 21–17) to Japan’s Shino Kawai in the final, her overall performance was enough to propel her to the top of the world rankings, dethroning Indonesia’s Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh.
Bolaji first made headlines two years ago by becoming the first African to win a Paralympic medal in para-badminton with a bronze at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. She said the world No. 1 ranking “is just the beginning of greater things to come,” as she continues to elevate para-sports for Nigeria and Africa on the global stage. The 20-year-old’s rise reflects consistent success on the international circuit, including her defense of the title at the Egypt International in January and her breakthrough podium finish in Bahrain.
Bolaji’s ascent marks a historic first for both Nigeria and the African continent, placing her at the summit of global para-badminton.
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.