Chukwuebuka Enekwechi urges Nigerian throwers to follow his path to success

Commonwealth Games gold medal winner, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, believes his victory in the shot put should encourage more Nigerian athletes to try throwing events. He also says Nigeria needs to invest more in this area.

Enekwechi made history at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He became the first Nigerian man to win gold in shot put. This win was a big change for him, as he had won silver in 2018 and finished fourth in Birmingham four years later.

In a chat with the Times of India during the World Athletics Silver Level Continental Tour in Bhubaneswar last month, Enekwechi called his win in Glasgow a key moment in his career.

“It was amazing, especially in the moment. My life has not changed very much, but it was a piece of history. It was a huge honour. 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.

The 33-year-old athlete mentioned that finishing fourth in Birmingham added pressure as he headed into Glasgow.

“A lot can change in one year, let alone eight years. I tried in Birmingham to get a medal, and I did not. I got fourth. So, the pressure was double leading up to Glasgow,” he added.

Despite his success, Enekwechi worries about the lack of support for Nigerian throwers compared to sprinters and jumpers. He pointed out that the problem is mainly due to poor infrastructure and limited funding.

“I think a lot of it is infrastructure issues. A lot of the attention goes towards sprints and towards events that already have funding from shoe companies. The throws do not have very much funding at all, so that would make a big difference,” he said.

Enekwechi found shot put while studying at Purdue University in Indiana, USA. He joined the athletics team to get access to the weight room. He believes his unusual journey should inspire young Nigerian throwers not to let their size hold them back.

“Give yourself a chance. When you look at me, I am not the biggest thrower. I am probably the shortest guy in the field. I am 180cm. If you looked at me, especially before I put on a lot of muscle, you would not think of me as a world-class or 22-metre shot putter. But I took a chance, and I was able to execute it,” he said.

Enekwechi visits Nigeria once or twice a year. During these trips, he mentors young athletes and coaches.