Nigeria’s para-badminton star Mariam Eniola Bolaji has attributed her rise to world number one in the women’s SL3 category to years of hard work, discipline and consistent support from her sponsors.
Bolaji recently climbed to the top of the global rankings following her silver medal performance at the World Para Badminton Championship.
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The achievement marked a historic moment for Nigerian badminton, as Bolaji dethroned Indonesia’s Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh to claim the number one spot. Speaking on her success, Bolaji described the journey as demanding but rewarding, noting that perseverance played a key role in her rise.
“This didn’t happen overnight,” Bolaji said. “It’s the result of years of hard work, sacrifices and believing in myself even when things were tough.”
She also highlighted the importance of sponsorship and institutional backing, explaining that access to training, competitions and proper equipment made a huge difference in her development. According to Bolaji, athletes thrive when they feel supported and valued.
“The support I’ve received from my sponsors has been crucial,” she added. “When you know people believe in you, it pushes you to give more and aim higher.”
Bolaji described her silver medal at the world championship as a turning point, saying it reinforced her belief that she belongs among the best in the world. She remains ambitious, setting her sights on future gold medals and sustained dominance at the top level.
Beyond personal success, Bolaji hopes her achievement will inspire other Nigerian athletes, especially those in para-sports, to dream big and stay committed. She believes Nigeria has the talent to excel globally if athletes are given the right support, exposure and encouragement to succeed
