The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) has etched its name in Nigerian sporting history after its para-badminton star, Eniola Bolaji, rose to World No. 1 in the women’s SL3 category, thus becoming the first athlete under any affiliate of the National Sports Commission to attain the top spot in global rankings.

The latest rankings released on Tuesday, February 17, by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) confirmed Bolaji’s ascent to the summit following her historic silver medal finish at the 2026 World Para Badminton Championship in Bahrain.

Historic Rise After World Championship Silver

Bolaji secured her place in history after advancing to the final of the global showpiece, held at the New Capital Hall in Bahrain on February 14. She eventually fell 2–0 (21–12, 21–17) to Japan’s world No. 7, Shino Kawai, but her runner-up finish earned her enough ranking points to dethrone Indonesia’s Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh as world number one.

In the process, Bolaji also became the first African athlete to win a silver medal at the World Para Badminton Championship. This is a milestone that underscores Nigeria’s growing footprint in para-sports.

Her ranking surge was further strengthened by her triumph at the Egypt International in January, where she successfully defended her title for the second consecutive year.

Landmark Moment for Nigerian Sport

President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, described Bolaji’s achievement as a defining moment for Nigerian and African sports.

“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,” Orbih said.

“She regained full stability last season and has carried that momentum into this year, already featuring in two major tournaments with outstanding performances.”

Bolaji’s achievement places the BFN ahead of other federations under the National Sports Commission in producing a world number one athlete, which is a testament to what observers describe as deliberate investment, structured athlete development, and sustained technical support within the federation.

Powered by GIG, Eniola Bolaji has attained an enviable height

Structured Support Paying Dividends

Orbih credited the progress of para-badminton in Nigeria to coordinated backing from multiple stakeholders.

“This achievement is also a testament to the support and resources committed to para badminton by the National Sports Commission, the Abia State Government, and GIG Logistics. Their continued backing has created the enabling environment for our athletes to train, compete, and excel on the global stage,” he noted.

Despite narrowly missing out on gold in Bahrain, the BFN President praised Bolaji’s resilience and consistency at the elite level.

“I know many Nigerians were expecting another gold medal, but we must recognise that other players are equally determined to dethrone her. She has now become the first African to win a silver medal at the Para-Badminton World Championship,” Orbih added.

A New Benchmark for Nigerian Federations

Bolaji’s ascent to the top of the global rankings marks more than a personal triumph; it signals a structural breakthrough for Nigerian sport.

For decades, Nigerian athletes have achieved continental dominance and occasional global podium finishes, but reaching World No. 1 status — particularly in a ranking-driven sport governed by transparent international metrics — represents a new benchmark.

As Bolaji prepares for upcoming tournaments, the federation has pledged continued technical and logistical support to sustain her dominance.

With a World No. 1 athlete now flying Nigeria’s flag, the Badminton Federation of Nigeria has set a new standard — not only for para-sport development, but for all federations under the National Sports Commission aspiring to global excellence.

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Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji has advanced to the final of the 2026 Para-Badminton World Championship in Bahrain after a commanding semifinal victory on Friday.

The reigning African champion defeated China’s Gaoying Yuan in straight sets, 21–12, 21–16, in the women’s SL3 semifinal at the New Capital Indoor Hall to book her place in Saturday’s final.

Bolaji will now face Japan’s Shino Kawai on February 14 as she bids to secure her first world title and add to her growing list of historic achievements.

The Nigerian star has been in imperious form throughout the tournament. She opened her campaign with a dominant 2–0 (21–13, 21–12) win over Australia’s Caitlin Dransfield, ranked world No. 18, before delivering a crushing 2–0 (21–3, 21–7) victory against Brazil’s world No. 10 Adriane Ávila.

In the Round of 16, Bolaji comfortably dispatched France’s Milena Surreau 21–13, 21–12, then overpowered Turkey’s world No. 5 Halime Yildiz 21–6, 21–9 in the quarterfinals to reach the last four.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Chigozie Nnanna produced a landmark performance in the men’s SL4 category, securing a bronze medal after a semifinal defeat to India’s world No. 2 Naveen Sivakumar.

With their podium finishes, Bolaji and Nnanna have become the first African players to win medals at the Para-Badminton World Championship — a significant milestone for Nigerian badminton and the continent at large.

Bolaji had earlier made history at the 2024 Summer Paralympics, becoming the first African to claim a para-badminton medal at the Games with her bronze medal performance.

Reacting to the athletes’ exploits, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, praised their achievements and highlighted the federation’s strategic development efforts.

“I am excited that Eniola Bolaji has reached her second final in two months, and that Chigozie Nnanna has secured his first World Championship medal,” Orbih said.

“There have been deliberate and strategic plans to ensure that more athletes, beyond Bolaji, attain podium success. I am delighted that this vision is becoming a reality, particularly following our successful hosting of the African Para-Badminton Championships in Abia State last year.

“If all goes as planned, Bolaji could claim her second gold medal of the year, a major confidence boost as she continues her journey toward the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.”

Orbih also commended the National Sports Commission, the Abia State Government and GIG Logistics for their sustained support toward the development of para-badminton in Nigeria.

With one match separating her from global glory, Bolaji now stands on the brink of another historic achievement for Nigeria and Africa.

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World number two in the SL3 category and Paralympic bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji has departed Nigeria for the Para-Badminton World Championship, scheduled to hold in Bahrain from February 8 to 14.

Bolaji will be making her second international appearance of the year, coming on the back of a dominant performance at the Egypt International Championship in January, where she won gold and reaffirmed her status as one of the leading para-badminton players in the world.

She will be joined in Bahrain by two other Nigerian athletes, with Chigozie Jeremiah, a 2024 Paralympian, set to compete in the men’s SL4 category. Chinyere Okoro will feature in the women’s SL4 event as Nigeria’s sole representative in that category.

Speaking after the team’s departure, Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), expressed confidence in the athletes’ readiness and ability to deliver strong performances for the country.

Orbih revealed that the players underwent an intensive month-long training camp in Abuja and are fully prepared to compete at the highest level. “Nigeria’s para-badminton players are once again ready to represent the country on the world stage,” he said. The athletes have shown great dedication and commitment during the camping exercise in Abuja.

“Eniola Bolaji is currently in the best form of her career after her victory at the Egypt International Championship, while Chigozie Jeremiah and Chinyere Okoro are well prepared and motivated to win laurels for the nation,” Orbih added.

He also commended the National Sports Commission and GIG Logistics for their continued support, noting that their contributions have been crucial in enabling Nigerian athletes to participate in key international ranking tournaments.

The Para-Badminton World Championship in Bahrain is expected to attract top-ranked players from across the globe, with vital ranking points and honours at stake.

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