Can Enekwechi Finally Overcome Walsh and Claim Commonwealth Games Gold?
The reigning African Games shot put champion, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, has received a major boost ahead of the 23rd Commonwealth Games after defeating one of the biggest names in the history of the event.
Just days before the Games begin in Glasgow, Scotland, Enekwechi defeated New Zealand’s Tom Walsh at the prestigious Istvan Gyulai Memorial World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting in Budapest, sending a powerful warning ahead of their latest Commonwealth showdown.
The victory could not have come at a better time for the Nigerian, who will renew his long-running rivalry with Walsh later this month.
For years, the New Zealander has had the upper hand. Since their first meeting at the 2018 World Indoor Championships, Walsh has won 36 of their 48 head-to-head contests. He also defeated Enekwechi to win Commonwealth Games gold in 2018, while the Nigerian finished fourth in Birmingham four years ago as Walsh successfully defended his title.
But the balance of power appears to be shifting.
Enekwechi has now defeated Walsh in four of their last six meetings in 2026, including four of their last five encounters. The turnaround has given the 33-year-old Nigerian growing confidence as he prepares for his third Commonwealth Games appearance.
Walsh, 34, remains one of the most decorated shot putters in history, having won two Commonwealth Games titles, a World Championship gold medal, two Olympic medals, four World Indoor titles and four Diamond League trophies.
But Enekwechi is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career, and his latest victory over the New Zealander has added further belief that this could finally be his moment.
Team Nigeria is targeting its best Commonwealth Games medal haul in decades, and the men’s shot put could provide one of the country’s biggest opportunities for gold.
After years of near misses and heartbreak, Enekwechi now appears to have momentum on his side.
Can the Nigerian finally defeat Walsh when it matters most and claim the Commonwealth Games title on his third attempt?
