By BABATUNDE OGUNRINDE

Nigeria’s para badminton star, Eniola Bolaji, has risen to world No. 1 in the women’s SL3 category in the latest rankings released by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bolaji attained the top spot following her silver medal finish at the 2026 World Para Badminton Championship in Bahrain.

She lost 2–0 (21–12, 21–17) to Japan’s world No. 7, Shino Kawai, in the final at the New Capital Hall on Feb. 14.

The multiple national and African champion displaced Indonesia’s Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh to emerge as the world’s top-ranked player in the category.

Her rise was further boosted by her victory at the Egypt International in January, where she successfully defended her title for the second consecutive year.

President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, described Bolaji’s achievement as a landmark moment for Nigeria and Africa.

Orbih said the feat reflected deliberate investment and structured support for para badminton in the country.

“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.

Orbih also acknowledged the support of key stakeholders, including the National Sports Commission, Abia State Government and GIG Logistics, for their role in the growth of para badminton in Nigeria.

He commended Bolaji’s resilience despite narrowly missing out on gold, noting that she had become the first African to win a silver medal at the Para Badminton World Championship.

“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,” Orbih said.

Bolaji’s ascent to world No. 1 marks another milestone in her career and further cements her status as one of the leading figures in global para badminton. (NAN)

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