Eniola Bolaji Achieves World No. 1 Ranking in Para-Badminton

Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji has risen to the top of the world in women’s SL3 para-badminton, securing the World No. 1 ranking as of February 18, 2026, according to the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

Dethroning the Previous Champion

Bolaji’s achievement comes after she surpassed Indonesia’s Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh, who previously held the No. 1 position. This marks a significant milestone in Bolaji’s career and for Nigerian para-badminton.

Recent Performances

The Nigerian athlete secured a silver medal at the 2026 World Para Badminton Championship in Bahrain on February 14, losing to Japan’s Shino Kawai (21–12, 21–17) in the final. Bolaji also demonstrated her dominance by winning the Egypt International title in January, successfully defending her championship for the second year in a row.

National Recognition and Support

Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), hailed Bolaji’s accomplishment as a landmark moment for Nigeria and African para-badminton. He emphasized that this success is a direct result of strategic investment and support for para-badminton within the country.

Orbih noted that Bolaji’s consistent performance and regained stability have been key to her rise in the rankings. He also acknowledged the crucial role of the National Sports Commission, the Abia State Government, and GIG Logistics in providing the necessary resources and enabling environment for Nigerian athletes to excel internationally.

Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh’s Profile

Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh, born December 29, 2001, is an Indonesian para-badminton player competing in the SL3 classification. She currently holds a world ranking of 1, as of October 31, 2023. Syakuroh made her international debut at the 2022 ASEAN Para Games in Surakarta, winning a gold medal in women’s doubles SL3–SU5 with Warining Rahayu. She also secured gold in women’s singles and bronze in women’s doubles at the 2023 ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia.