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History Made! Eniola Bolaji Becomes Africa’s First Para-Badminton World No. 1

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Bolaji Eniola Mariam - Instagram

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Badminton World Federation released its latest para-badminton rankings and Eniola Bolaji Mariam was at the top. The Nigerian athlete is now the Women’s SL3 World No. 1, the first African, to ever reach that position.

The ranking came after her silver medal at the 2026 World Para-Badminton Championship in Bahrain. On February 14, she played the final at the New Capital Hall and lost 2-0 to Japan’s world No. 7, Shino Kawai, with scores of 21-12 and 21-17. That silver medal, added to her gold at the Egypt International in January, her second consecutive title at that tournament, gave her enough ranking points to overtake Indonesia’s Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh and move to the top spot.

Bolaji Eniola Mariam – Instagram

She is also the first African to win a silver medal at the Para-Badminton World Championship, and the first athlete under any affiliate of the National Sports Commission to reach world No. 1 in any sport.

This is not the first time Bolaji has broken a record. At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, she won bronze in the women’s SL3 event, making her the first African to win a badminton medal at the Paralympics.

BFN President Francis Orbih said after the ranking was confirmed:

“This is the biggest news of the year, with History Made! Eniola Bolaji Becomes Africa’s First Para-Badminton World No. 1 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. She regained full stability last season and has carried that momentum into this year with outstanding performances.”

Bolaji not winning gold in Bahrain, Orbih stated: “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.”

Bolaji Eniola Mariam – Instagram

Orbih also credited the National Sports Commission, the Abia State Government, and GIG Logistics, saying their support had created the environment for Nigerian para-badminton players to compete and succeed at the highest level.

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Rihanna and Rocki Make History in a First-of-Its-Kind Mother–Daughter Cover Feature

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Photo: Tim Walker

Rihanna’s daughter, Rocki, has made her first magazine cover appearance alongside her mother for W magazine’s Pop Issue. Not yet a year old, Rocki emerged into public view, dressed in Dior, sharing the cover with Rihanna in what marks the first public photo the singer has released of her daughter since announcing her birth seven months ago in September.

Photo: Tim Walker

Photo: Tim Walker

Rihanna celebrated on Instagram, expressing her excitement about Rocki’s debut. She wrote, “Cover girrrrrlz!!! Baby Rocki served sumn serious on her first cover! Came on set and shut her mama dowwwnn!!!!” as she introduced her daughter to the public in a fashion setting.

Although Rihanna did not participate in a direct interview with W Magazine for the feature, several people close to her contributed to the story. Among them was her partner, A$AP Rocky, who shared insight into how Rihanna has evolved over the years. The couple, who were longtime friends before their relationship became public in late 2020, now share three children together: Rocki, RZA, and Ricky.

Photo: Tim Walker

Photo: Tim Walker

Rocky spoke about the impact motherhood has had on Rihanna, he explained that while she has grown and adapted in this new phase, to him, Rihanna has always carried a unique presence, describing her as thoughtful and genuine. In his words, “she is the most charming and genuine person on Earth. Her energy is unmatched—one of a kind. I just adore her.”

Photo: Tim Walker

Photo: Tim Walker

For the cover, both Rihanna and Rocki wore Dior haute couture. Rocki’s look included a custom designed diaper and matching headpiece, created specifically for the shoot. The concept reflected Rihanna’s creative input.

Photo: Tim Walker

Photo: Tim Walker

Jonathan Anderson, the house’s creative director, spoke about working with Rihanna on the project. He noted that the custom couture diaper was an unusual request, but one that aligned with Rihanna’s. In his word, “she is thinking outside the box. When she has an idea, I’m always trusting in the process. I trust her implicitly on anything she feels that is right to do.” He explained that she approaches fashion with clarity and confidence, often interpreting designs in ways that feel authentic to her.

Rihanna and Rocky’s cover hits different; it’s fashion, motherhood, and representation all in one frame.

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Olandria Carthen Dazzles in Pajtim at the 2026 Vanity Fair Party

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Olandria Carthen - Instagram

After the Oscars ceremony, the Vanity Fair after‑party becomes its own runway, where attendees arrive in remarkable looks and make as much of a style statement as they did on the official red carpet. Olandria Carthen, who has been making headlines for her fashion looks since appearing on Love Island USA as “Bama the Barbie,” lived up to her reputation at the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscars after‑party in Los Angeles on March 15, 2026, wearing a custom white gown by Pajtim Raci.

Olandria Carthen – Instagram

Olandria wore a custom pleated gown featuring a dramatic halter-neckline that transitions into a plunging, open front bodice. The bodice is tightly ruched, all the white chiffon pulled into a single structured point at the waist before opening into a sheer floor-length skirt with a train.

Olandria Carthen – Instagram

Wide cutouts on both sides of the waist left her midsection exposed, reflecting the gown’s deliberate design.

Her hair was styled in a loose curly updo with a few pieces falling around her face. Makeup included sculpted eyebrows, a soft smoky eye, and a glossy 90s inspired lip. Accessories were diamond pieces by Azature, including statement rings.

Olandria Carthen – Instagram

This gown showed a more sculptural side of Pajtim Raci. Chiffon is a difficult fabric to work with keeping the bodice firm while allowing the skirt and cape to flow is not easy. Pajtim got it right, and Olandria had no trouble wearing it. That credit belongs to the designer.

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Lori Harvey Rocks a Daring Thigh-High Slit at Chanel’s Paris Show

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Photo credit: Instagram

Lori Harvey stepped out for the Chanel Fall/Winter 2026 Womenswear Show in Paris, wearing a look that paired a cropped tweed jacket with a vivid red blouse and a beige Chanel skirt cut with a striking high slit.

The look consists of a bright red blouse worn beneath a cropped brown and cream tweed jacket. The blouse was slightly open at the collar, creating a V-shaped neckline. The jacket featured tweed fabric and metallic buttons along the front.

Photo credit: Instagram

Harvey wore a beige Chanel midi skirt that was fastened in front with three rows of large buttons. The cut opened high along the right side, forming a high slit revealing her leg. A slim burgundy belt sat at the waist, repeating the colour of the blouse.

She completed her look with a small black quilted Chanel clutch, narrow-tinted sunglasses, and pointed nude heels.
Harvey kept her hair pulled back into a firm ponytail. Her makeup featured warm tones, with softly shaped brows, light eye definition and glossy nude lips. Harvey’s styling and choice of accessories helped her stand out among the guests at the Paris show.

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