The National Sports Commission has applauded Nigeria’s para-badminton sensation Eniola Mariam Bolaji after she achieved the landmark feat of becoming the world’s number one player in the Women’s SL3 category.
Bolaji surged to the top of the global rankings with 63,950 points, overtaking Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh of Indonesia. Her rise followed an impressive outing at the BWF Para Badminton World Championships, where she advanced to the final to claim a silver medal, a performance that also made her the first African athlete to reach a world championship final in para-badminton.
Chairman of the Commission, Shehu Dikko, hailed the accomplishment as a defining moment for Nigerian sports, while Director General Bukola Olopade praised the Badminton Federation of Nigeria for its intentional development of the sport and commitment to athlete welfare.
Olopade noted that proper care and support for athletes naturally translate into medals and international recognition, adding that Bolaji’s success reflects deliberate planning, structured backing, and a merit-based system. He congratulated both the athlete and the federation for fostering an environment that enabled her achievement.
The Commission also expressed gratitude to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his sustained support for sports growth in the country.
According to the NSC, Nigeria’s recent sporting strides, including hosting the Davis Cup after a 19-year hiatus, staging the Africa Run Conference, and delivering another successful edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, highlight a renewed drive to elevate the nation’s status within the global sports community.
Bolaji’s latest achievement further strengthens her growing legacy. At the 2024 Summer Paralympics, she made history as 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.
The NSC emphasized that her ascent to world number one represents a fresh era of excellence, inclusivity, and international competitiveness for Nigerian sports.
