Eniola Mariam Bolaji has become the first African athlete to reach world number one in para-badminton, climbing to the summit of the Women’s SL3 rankings with 63,950 points following her silver medal performance at the World Championships.
The Badminton World Federation confirmed Bolaji’s historic ascent on Tuesday, February 17, displacing Indonesia’s Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh from the top spot. The 2024 Paralympic bronze medallist now stands alone as Africa’s highest-ranked player in the sport’s history.
Bolaji secured her position after reaching the final at the 2026 World Para Badminton Championship in Bahrain. She fell 2–0 to Japan’s Shino Kawai at the New Capital Hall on February 14, yet the silver medal propelled her ranking upward.
ALSO READ:
- Falconets edge Senegal in Abeokuta to keep World Cup dream alive
- Nigeria awaits FIFA verdict in DR Congo World Cup dispute
- World Title Sweep as Nigeria shines in para powerlifting, second on Cairo medal table
- Nigeria finishes 2nd at 2025 World Para Powerlifting in Morocco
Her title defence at the Egypt International in January provided the additional points needed to overtake the Indonesian incumbent. The victory demonstrated her continued dominance on the African continent.
The SL3 classification applies to standing players with lower limb impairment, including single above-knee amputation or cerebral palsy affecting one side. Athletes in this category compete with physical challenges.
This latest milestone builds on Bolaji’s trailblazing career. At the Paris 2024 Paralympics, she became the first African athlete to win a para-badminton medal at either the Olympics or Paralympics, securing bronze in the Women’s Singles SL3 event.
Bolaji’s ascent to world number one marks another chapter in her remarkable journey. She now stands as the standard-bearer for African para-badminton on the global stage, with preparations already underway for upcoming international tournaments.
