Glasgow, Scotland – Nigeria’s Chukwuebuka Enekwechi told Brila.net that he had almost given up on before Thursday’s career-defining performance to claim the country’s first-ever Commonwealth Games men’s shot put gold.
Speaking on his journey and the performance on Thursday, Enekwechi told Brila that he will now march on to chase his Olympic dream.
‘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.’
‘I cried’ – Enekwechi
‘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.’
Olympic Dream is Kept Alive
‘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.’
Enekwechi, the African record holder, produced a best throw of 21.07 metres at Scotstoun Stadium to edge New Zealand’s Tom Walsh by just four centimeters.
England’s Scott Lincoln took bronze with 20.99m.
The 33-year-old, born in New York but competing for Nigeria, upgraded his 2018 Commonwealth silver and improved on a fourth-place finish in Birmingham 2022.
“This gold means everything today,” Enekwechi said after the victory, as teammates and Nigerian fans erupted in celebration.
He now turns his focus toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Meanwhile, world record holder Tobi Amusan had to settle for bronze in the women’s 100m hurdles final at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Hours earlier, Amusan’s bid for a third consecutive Commonwealth 100m hurdles title ended in disappointment. The Nigerian star finished third in 12.60 seconds.
Bahamas’ Devynne Charlton claimed gold in 12.33s, with Jamaica’s Megan Simmonds taking silver in 12.41s.
Amusan had looked dominant in the heats, winning her race in a Games-record 12.19s, but a slower start and a clipped hurdle in the final cost her.
She later pointed to ongoing tendonitis and swelling as factors, refusing to make excuses while still celebrating the podium finish.
Enekwechi’s triumph marked Nigeria’s eighth gold of the Games and lifted spirits after Amusan’s result.
The West African nation has enjoyed a strong campaign overall, powered largely by its para-athletes and weightlifters.
Goodness Nwachukwu defended her title in the women’s para discus F42-44/61-64 with a world-record throw, while Esther Nworgu, Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Riluwan Idris claimed gold medals in para powerlifting.
Weightlifters Edidiong Umoafia, Onome Didih and Rafiatu Folashade Lawal also delivered Commonwealth records and golds.
Kayinsola Ajayi added a bronze in the men’s 100m, the first Nigerian male medal in the event since 2006.
Several Nigerians remain in contention as the Games head into the final days.
Samuel Ogazi and Edidiong Udo are strong contenders in the men’s 400m, while Patience Okon-George, Esther Elo Joseph and Ella Onojuvwevwo continue in the women’s 400m and the Mixed 400m Relay.
Other track athletes and remaining finalists keep Team Nigeria’s medal hopes alive through the closing stages on 2 August.
With eight golds and a solid overall haul placing them among the top African nations, Nigeria’s Glasgow 2026 campaign has already delivered historic moments.
Enekwechi’s breakthrough and Amusan’s hard-earned bronze underline the depth of talent flying the green-and-white flag in Scotland.
The post ‘I Thought the World was Against Me’ – Enekwechi Reacts to Winning Gold… Amusan Settles for Bronze at Glasgow 2026 appeared first on Latest Sports News In Nigeria.