Eniola Bolaji, a prominent player from Nigeria, has made history by securing the World No. 1 ranking in the women's SL3 category following her performance at the recent World Para Badminton Championship held in Bahrain. This achievement was confirmed after the Badminton World Federation released the latest rankings on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for Bolaji, who dethroned Indonesia’s Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh from the top spot. Bolaji's journey to the top has been characterized by her tenacity and skill, which were on full display during the championship.

At the tournament, Bolaji clinched a silver medal after a hard-fought battle in the final match, where she faced Japan’s Shino Kawai, currently ranked seventh in the world. The final score was 2–0 (21–12, 21–17), but despite the loss, Bolaji's silver medal solidified her standing in the sport. Her remarkable form earlier in the year was also demonstrated as she successfully defended her title at the Egypt International in January, reflecting her consistent performance and determination to excel in para-badminton.

The recognition of Bolaji as the top player in her category has been hailed by leaders in Nigerian sports, including Francis Orbih, the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria. He emphasized that this achievement is not just a victory for Bolaji but also a significant moment for Nigeria and African sports as a whole. It signals the impact of structured support and investment in developing athletes in the country, aiming to inspire future generations to pursue excellence in their respective sports disciplines.