Nigeria had a good day in athletics at the 2026 Commonwealth Games on Wednesday. Chukwuebuka Enekwechi qualified for the men’s shot put final. Olayinka Olajide and Jennifer Obi Chukwuka also moved on to the women’s 200m semi-finals, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
Enekwechi showed great skill in the shot put qualifying round. He topped Group B with a throw of 20.03m, earning automatic qualification for the final.
The 33-year-old only needed one throw to secure his spot.
Enekwechi, who won silver in 2018, finished ahead of India’s Samardeep Singh Gill (19.95m), New Zealand’s Nick Palmer (19.92m), South Africa’s Aiden Smith (19.86m), and Mauritius’ Bernard Baptiste (15.00m).
The overall qualifying leader was New Zealand’s Tom Walsh, who threw 21.03m in Group A. India’s Tajinderpal Singh Toor (20.14m) and England’s Scott Lincoln (20.09m) also qualified automatically.
Track Success
On the track, Olajide secured her spot in the women’s 200m semi-finals by finishing third in Heat 5 with a time of 23.62 seconds. Jamaica’s Lavanya Williams won the heat in 22.91 seconds. Singapore’s Veronica Shanti Pereira came second with a season’s best of 23.00 seconds.
Jennifer Obi Chukwuka also moved forward by running a personal best of 23.26 seconds to win Heat 4. Canada’s Marie-Eloise Leclair was second in 23.50 seconds, while The Gambia’s Nyimansata Jawneh took third in 23.74 seconds.
The two sprinters made sure Nigeria will have double representation in the women’s 200m semi-finals as they continue to chase medals in Glasgow.
In the men’s 200m, Udodi Onwuzurike also advanced to the semi-finals. He clocked 20.31 seconds to qualify automatically from his heat, adding to Nigeria’s sprint hopes.
Israel Okon had already qualified directly for the 200m semis but had to withdraw due to injury.
Enekwechi will aim to improve on his 2018 silver medal when he competes in the final today. Olajide, Chukwuka, and Onwuzurike will also be looking for spots in their finals.
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