Photo Credit: Punch Newspapers / File Photo
Enekwechi Targets Legacy After Historic Commonwealth Gold
Commonwealth Games champion, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, says his gold medal-winning feat at the 2026 Games should serve as motivation for more Nigerian athletes to embrace throwing events.

Enekwechi made history in Glasgow, becoming the first Nigerian man ever to win gold in shot put. It was a major comeback for the 33-year-old, who won silver at Gold Coast 2018 and finished fourth at Birmingham 2022.

Speaking to the Times of India on the sidelines of the World Athletics Silver Level Continental Tour in Bhubaneswar last month, he described the victory as a defining moment of his career.
“It was amazing, especially in the moment… Many people have tried before me; many people have come close. So, for me to execute and become the first person from Nigeria in history, it is something that nobody can take away from me,” he said.
He admitted that missing the podium in Birmingham put extra pressure on him ahead of Glasgow.

The Purdue University alumnus, who initially joined athletics to gain access to the weight room in college, also lamented the lack of support for throwers in Nigeria. He attributed it to poor infrastructure and the fact that most sponsorship goes to sprints and jumps.

Enekwechi, who stands at 180cm, said his own story proves physique should not discourage young throwers.
“Give yourself a chance. When you look at me, I am not the biggest thrower. I am probably the shortest guy in the field… you would not think of me as a world-class or 22-metre shot putter. But I took a chance,” he said.
The thrower, who visits Nigeria once or twice a year, said he uses those trips to mentor young athletes and coaches.
Source: Punch Newspapers