Meet Jessica Oji, Nigeria’s first Commonwealth shot put medallist in 20 years

19-year-old Jessica Oji

Nineteen-year-old Jessica Oji has etched her name into Nigerian athletics history after becoming the first Nigerian woman in two decades to win a Commonwealth Games shot put medal.

Oji delivered a remarkable performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games to claim the silver medal in the women’s shot put event, ending Nigeria’s long wait for a podium finish in the discipline.

According to a post shared on X on Friday, ESPN Africa said, “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.”

Her achievement makes her the first Nigerian female shot put medallist at the Commonwealth Games since 2002, marking a breakthrough for the young athlete and the country’s athletics programme. Related News Infantino wrong man to lead FIFA, says Burnham Chelsea hit with £10m fine, suspended ban by FA Commonwealth Games: Nigeria remains Africa’s top team by medals