# Enekwechi claims historic Commonwealth shot put gold as Amusan takes hurdles bronze

Nigeria’s Chukwuebuka Enekwechi said he had almost abandoned hope before producing the performance of his career to win the country’s first Commonwealth Games men’s shot put gold medal at Glasgow 2026.

The 33-year-old secured victory with a best effort of 21.07 metres at Scotstoun Stadium, finishing just four centimetres ahead of New Zealand’s Tom Walsh. England’s Scott Lincoln took bronze with 20.99m.

Enekwechi, who was born in New York but competes for Nigeria, improved on the silver medal he won at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and his fourth-place finish at Birmingham 2022.

‘Try try try infinity. Try try try again and I mean at a certain point I didn’t think it was possible.’ He continued, ‘I thought the Gold medal was locked away from me, I thought the world was conspiring against me.

‘Even this competition if you look at the sector, it was uphill, and I think that is symbolic of my career.

‘Just before my winning toss, my knee brace failed and I haven’t thrown without it since January because I tore my meniscus in January.’

‘So, that throw means a whole lot and I have dry tears on my face because it was a combination of a lot of factors.’

The African record holder said the victory would provide valuable support as he pursues the ambition of competing at three Olympic Games.

‘You know getting this gold medal means that I get a little bit more support and I am going to be able to fund that dream of being a three-time Olympian.’

“This gold means everything today,” Enekwechi said after his victory, as Nigerian team-mates and supporters celebrated around the stadium.

His next major target is the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Earlier on Thursday, Nigeria’s world record holder Tobi Amusan took bronze in the women’s 100m hurdles final, ending her attempt to secure a third consecutive Commonwealth title.

Amusan crossed the line in 12.60 seconds, behind Bahamas athlete Devynne Charlton, who won gold in 12.33s, and Jamaica’s Megan Simmonds, who claimed silver in 12.41s.

The Nigerian had appeared in commanding form during the heats, winning in a Games-record 12.19s. However, a slower start and contact with one of the hurdles affected her in the final.

Amusan later cited ongoing tendonitis and swelling as contributing factors. She did not use the injury as an excuse, instead highlighting the significance of earning a place on the podium.

Enekwechi’s gold was Nigeria’s eighth of the Games and provided a boost after Amusan’s disappointment. The country has enjoyed a productive campaign in Scotland, with much of its success coming from para-athletics and weightlifting.

Goodness Nwachukwu retained her women’s para discus F42-44/61-64 title with a world-record throw. Esther Nworgu, Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Riluwan Idris also won gold medals in para powerlifting.

In weightlifting, Edidiong Umoafia, Onome Didih and Rafiatu Folashade Lawal all combined Commonwealth records with gold-medal performances.

Kayinsola Ajayi added bronze in the men’s 100m, becoming the first Nigerian man to win a medal in the event since 2006.

Nigeria still has further medal opportunities before the Games conclude. Samuel Ogazi and Edidiong Udo are among the leading contenders in the men’s 400m, while Patience Okon-George, Esther Elo Joseph and Ella Onojuvwevwo remain involved in the women’s 400m and Mixed 400m Relay.

Other Nigerian track athletes and finalists will continue the country’s challenge during the closing stages, with the Games due to end on 2 August.

With eight gold medals and a strong overall medal haul, Nigeria is among Africa’s leading nations at Glasgow 2026. Enekwechi’s breakthrough victory and Amusan’s determined bronze have provided two contrasting but significant moments for the green-and-white flag in Scotland.