Bolaji Eniola Becomes First African World No. 1 in Women’s SL3 Para-Badminton
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Summary: Nigeria’s Bolaji Eniola has made history as the first African to become World No. 1 in women’s SL3 para-badminton, following her silver medal performance at the 2026 World Para Badminton Championship.
Nigeria’s Bolaji Eniola has made history by becoming the first-ever African to be ranked World No. 1 in the women’s SL3 category of para-badminton. The announcement came following her performances at the 2026 World Para Badminton Championship in Bahrain, according to the latest rankings released by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on February 17, 2026.
Bolaji, a multiple national and African champion, dethroned Indonesia’s Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh to claim the top spot. She won a silver medal at the World Para Badminton Championship after losing 2–0 in the final to Japan’s world No. 7, Shino Kawai, at the New Capital Hall on February 14.
President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, hailed Bolaji’s success as a landmark moment for both Nigeria and Africa.
“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,” Francis said.
Bolaji is also the first African to win a silver medal at the World Para Badminton Championship, showing Nigeria’s rising presence in para-sports. As World No. 1, she sets a new standard for Nigerian para-sports and other federations aiming for global success.
