Commonwealth Games 2026: Chukwuebuka Enekwechi Claims Nigeria’s Eighth Gold In Nail-Biting Shot Put Final

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria’s strong showing at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games continued on Thursday as Chukwuebuka Enekwechi stormed to gold in the men’s shot put, securing Team Nigeria’s eighth gold medal of the Games.

In a tightly contested final, Enekwechi produced a winning throw of 21.07 metres to edge New Zealand’s Tom Walsh, who took silver with 21.03m. England’s Scott Lincoln claimed bronze with 20.99m. Just four centimetres separated the top two, underscoring the razor-thin margins that defined the competition.

South Africa’s Aiden Smith finished fourth with 20.31m, while India’s Tajinderpal Singh Toor and New Zealand’s Nick Palmer both recorded 20.27m to round out the top six.

The victory marks a career highlight for the Nigerian record holder. Enekwechi has long been a consistent presence among the world’s elite, collecting African titles, reaching Olympic and World Championship finals, and becoming the first Nigerian to throw beyond 22 metres. The Commonwealth Games gold was the one major title that had previously eluded him.

His success adds to Nigeria’s growing dominance in the throwing events in Glasgow. Earlier, Jessica Oji earned a historic silver in the women’s shot put, Goodness Nwachukwu smashed the world record en route to para athletics gold, and Tobi Amusan secured bronze in the hurdles.

Enekwechi’s gold lifts Team Nigeria’s overall medal tally to 15 with eight gold, five silver and three bronze.