ENEKWECHI MAKES HISTORY, WINS NIGERIA’S FIRST COMMONWEALTH GAMES MEN’S SHOT PUT GOLD

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Agency Report

Nigeria’s Chukwuebuka Enekwechi has made history by becoming the first Nigerian to win the men’s shot put gold medal at the Commonwealth Games after producing a championship-winning throw of 21.07m in Glasgow, Scotland.

The historic achievement was confirmed on Thursday by the Olympic Games through its official X handle, which posted: “GOLD for Nigeria – Chukwuebuka Enekwechi takes the W in the men’s shot put final!”

The 33-year-old secured victory with a decisive throw of 21.07m on his penultimate attempt at Scotstoun Stadium, clinching Nigeria’s first-ever gold medal in the event.

The triumph marked a remarkable turnaround for Enekwechi, who won silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games before finishing fourth at the Birmingham 2022 edition.

He dethroned defending champion Tom Walsh of New Zealand, who had led the competition with an opening throw of 21.03m but was unable to improve after the Nigerian surged into first place. England’s Scott Lincoln claimed the bronze medal with a throw of 20.99m.

Enekwechi had signalled his title ambitions on Wednesday by topping Group B during the qualification round with a single throw of 20.03m, finishing ahead of India’s Samardeep Singh Gill, New Zealand’s Nick Palmer and South Africa’s Aiden Smith.

One of Nigeria’s most consistent field athletes, the African record holder also boasts five African titles and has represented the country at multiple Olympic Games and World Championships.

His latest success increased Nigeria’s medal haul at the 2026 Commonwealth Games to 15, comprising eight gold, five silver and two bronze medals.