Nigerian shot put star strikes gold as the world record holder finishes third in the women’s 100m hurdles final.
Team Nigeria celebrated another golden moment at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after Chukwuebuka Enekwechi claimed victory in the men’s shot put, securing the country’s eighth gold medal of the competition in Glasgow.
The Nigerian thrower produced a championship-winning effort of 21.07 metres, edging defending champion Tom Walsh of New Zealand, who finished with a best throw of 21.03 metres.
The victory marked a significant milestone for Enekwechi, who finally climbed to the top of the Commonwealth Games podium after previously winning silver in Gold Coast in 2018 and finishing fourth at Birmingham 2022.
England’s Scott Lincoln completed the podium with a throw of 20.99 metres to claim the bronze medal.
Enekwechi Ends Long Wait for Commonwealth Gold
After years of coming close, Enekwechi delivered when it mattered most, producing his best throw of the competition to overtake Walsh and secure the biggest Commonwealth Games achievement of his career.
The gold medal further strengthened Team Nigeria’s impressive athletics campaign in Glasgow and added to the country’s growing medal tally.
Amusan Falls Short of Historic Third Consecutive Title
While Enekwechi celebrated a memorable victory, it was a disappointing outing for Tobi Amusan, whose bid to become the first woman to win three consecutive Commonwealth Games 100m hurdles titles came to an end.
The Nigerian world record holder finished third in the final after clocking 12.60 seconds, earning the bronze medal.
The race was won by Devynne Charlton of The Bahamas, who crossed the line in 12.33 seconds, while Jamaica’s Megan Simmonds claimed silver in 12.41 seconds.
Amusan, who had posted a wind-assisted 12.19 seconds in the semi-finals, struggled out of the blocks in the final. Reports also indicated that she competed despite discomfort in her toe, although the 29-year-old declined to use the injury as an excuse for missing out on gold.
Other Nigerian Athletes Still in Medal Hunt
Elsewhere, Ella Onojuvwevwo advanced to the women’s 400m final, becoming Nigeria’s only representative in the event after Patience Okon-George and Esther Elo Joseph failed to qualify.
In the men’s 200m, Udodi Onwuzurike booked his place in the final, while Jennifer Chukwuka and Olayinka Olajide were eliminated in the women’s event.
Attention now turns to Ezekiel Nathaniel, who will compete in the men’s 400m hurdles, as well as Team Nigeria’s mixed 4x400m relay squad.
Meanwhile, Samuel Ogazi, one of Nigeria’s medal hopefuls in the men’s 400m, is scheduled to compete later in the championships.
In the field events, Obiageri Pamela Amaechi finished sixth in the women’s discus throw final, while Unyima Uwak was unable to reach the podium in the women’s triple jump.
With several medal events still to come, Team Nigeria remains hopeful of adding to its growing success at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.