Jessica Oji is Nigeria's first Commonwealth shot put medallist in 20 years

Nineteen-year-old Jessica Oji has made history in Nigerian athletics. She is the first Nigerian woman in 20 years to win a medal in shot put at the Commonwealth Games.

Oji put on an amazing performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. She took home the silver medal in the women’s shot put event. This win ends Nigeria’s long wait for a medal in this sport.

ESPN Africa shared a post on X on Friday, saying, “19-year-old Jessica Oji makes history for Nigeria. The shot put sensation wins silver at the Commonwealth Games, becoming the first Nigerian woman to claim a Commonwealth shot put medal since 2006.”

This achievement makes Oji the first Nigerian female shot put medallist at the Commonwealth Games since 2002. It marks a big step for her and for Nigeria’s athletics.

The 19-year-old's strong performance adds to Team Nigeria’s success in Glasgow. Nigerian athletes have been winning medals in various sports, including athletics, weightlifting, para powerlifting, boxing, and 3×3 basketball.

Oji’s success shows a new beginning for Nigerian field events. It highlights a new generation of talented athletes ready to compete at the highest level.

With her silver medal from the Commonwealth Games, Oji has joined the ranks of Nigeria’s rising sports stars. She brings fresh hope for the future of athletics in the country.