2026 Commonwealth Games: Oji Aims to Follow Vivian Chukwuemeka’s Medal-Winning Footsteps
Jessica Oji will be aiming to write her name into Nigerian athletics history when she competes in the women’s shot put final at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the 19-year-old seeking to emulate Vivian Chukwuemeka.
Competing in her first major international championship for Nigeria, Oji has already announced herself by breaking Chukwuemeka’s long-standing Nigerian record and now has the opportunity to become only the second Nigerian woman to win a Commonwealth Games shot put medal.
Chukwuemeka claimed gold in 2002 before adding silver in 2006, setting the standard for Nigerian women in the event.
Standing in Oji’s way, however, is a formidable field led by Canada’s Sarah Mitton, the overwhelming favourite with a season’s best of 20.66m, more than two metres farther than the Nigerian’s personal best of 18.50m.
Jamaica’s Lloydricia Cameron and South Africa’s Ashley Erasmus also arrive with strong credentials, while India’s Manpreet Kaur, Wales’ Adele Nicoll and Australia’s Marley Raikiwasa add further quality to a highly competitive final.
Despite the daunting challenge, Oji has shown remarkable progress this season and will be hoping to produce another career-best performance on the biggest stage.
A medal in Glasgow would not only crown an impressive international debut but also see her join Chukwuemeka as the only Nigerian women to win a Commonwealth Games shot put medal.
