Eniola Bolaji: para Badminton Superstar From Nigeria Ranked As First

 

Nigeria has a new queen of para badminton — and her name is Eniola Bolaji. 🇳🇬🏸

Following a stunning performance at the 2026 World Para Badminton Championship in Bahrain, Nigeria’s para badminton star and Olympic medallist has officially risen to World No. 1 in the women’s SL3 category, according to the latest rankings released by the on Tuesday, as reported by .

Bolaji’s historic climb to the top sees her dethrone Indonesia’s , who had previously held the number-one spot. It marks a major milestone not just for Bolaji, but for Nigerian para sports as a whole.

A Silver Medal with Golden Impact

At the , Bolaji showcased grit, skill and consistency throughout the tournament. She powered her way into the final before facing Japan’s world No. 7, , at the New Capital Hall on February 14.

Although she narrowly missed out on gold, losing 2–0 (21–12, 21–17), her silver-medal finish proved more than enough to catapult her to the summit of world rankings — a reward for months of hard work and relentless determination.

Winning Beyond Bahrain

Bolaji’s rise to the top was not built on one tournament alone. Her ranking surge was further strengthened by her dominant outing at the in January, where she successfully defended her title for the second straight year. That victory confirmed her status as Africa’s finest in the SL3 category and one of the most feared players on the global stage.

A Champion with a Legacy

A multiple Nigerian and African champion, Bolaji’s achievement is a powerful statement: Nigeria is now home to the world’s best player in women’s SL3 para badminton. Her journey to World No. 1 is not just personal glory — it is inspiration for young athletes with disabilities across the country and the continent.

With momentum on her side and confidence at an all-time high, all eyes will now be on Bolaji as she targets future international titles and prepares for the next major global competitions.

From silver in Bahrain to gold in the rankings — Eniola Bolaji is officially on top of the world. 🌍🔥