Nigeria’s athletics stars delivered a spectacular double celebration over the weekend as world record holder, Tobi Amusan and shot put giant, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi both claimed gold medals in separate international competitions.
While Amusan stormed to victory and a new meet record in Taiwan, Enekwechi, in Russia, displayed his credentials as why he is one of Africa’s finest field athletes.
The victories come at a crucial stage of the season as both athletes continue preparations for major championships later this year.
– Read More: “QUEEN OF SPEED” – Tobi Amusan Storms Into Final as Nigeria Shine at African Championships
Amusan Breaks Meet Record Yet Again
Nigeria’s hurdling queen, Tobi Amusan, continued her remarkable 2026 campaign by claiming gold in the women’s 100 metres hurdles at the New Taipei Athletics Open in Taiwan.
The 29-year-old crossed the finish line in 12.72 seconds, despite competing against a slight headwind of -0.3 metres per second, comfortably defeating Chinese Taipei’s Bo Ya Zhang, who settled for silver with a time of 13.17 seconds.
The performance not only secured another gold medal but also established a new meet record, further extending Amusan’s consistency at the highest level.
Although the time was not among her fastest this season, it once again demonstrated the Nigerian’s ability to dominate international competitions regardless of conditions.
A Season Filled With Records and Victories
Amusan’s latest triumph adds to what has already been an outstanding season.
Earlier this year, she secured her first Diamond League victory of the campaign in Rabat, Morocco, producing a sensational 12.28-second run to break her own meeting record of 12.45 seconds, which she had set in 2025.
That performance matched her season’s best time, which she had previously recorded at the Xiamen Diamond League.
Before her Rabat heroics, Amusan had already shown signs of returning to peak form.
She finished second at the Xiamen Diamond League with a season-best 12.28 seconds, narrowly losing to American star Masai Russell, before claiming third place in Shanghai with a strong 12.41-second performance.
– Read More: African Athletics: Golden Girl Tobi Amusan Leads Charge as Nigeria Storms Ghana
African Champion Still Chasing More Glory
The season has also brought continental success.
Amusan captured gold in the women’s 100 metres hurdles at the African Championships in Accra, delivering Nigeria’s first gold medal of the competition and reaffirming her status as Africa’s premier hurdler.
Her season-best time of 12.28 seconds remains among the fastest performances recorded globally this year.
Only two performances rank higher in her illustrious career:
- Her world record of 12.12 seconds, set at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
- Her stunning 12.24 seconds clocked at the Meeting de Paris last year.
As a three-time Diamond League champion, Amusan is now firmly focused on reclaiming the overall Diamond League title while preparing for the Diamond League Final and the Commonwealth Games later this year.
Enekwechi Delivers Shot Put Masterclass in Russia
While Amusan was making headlines in Asia, Nigeria’s premier shot put specialist, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi was producing his own statement performance in Europe.
Competing at the prestigious Znamensky Memorial in Russia, Enekwechi dominated the men’s shot put event to secure another international gold medal.
The Nigerian thrower gradually asserted his superiority over the field before producing a winning mark of 21.27 metres, a distance none of his rivals could challenge.
– Read More: “It Almost Felt Impossible” – Chukwuebuka Enekwechi Speaks on Historic 22-Metre Throw
No Contest as Nigerian Star Leaves Rivals Behind
Enekwechi’s winning throw placed him comfortably ahead of the competition.
Mexico’s Juan Vazquez Gomez finished second after registering 20.13 metres, while Romania’s Andrei Rares Toader claimed bronze with a best effort of 20.02 metres.
Although the battle for silver and bronze remained closely contested throughout the event, Enekwechi’s dominance at the top never looked under threat.
His consistency across the rounds showcased the experience and confidence that have made him one of Nigeria’s most dependable athletes on the international circuit.
Nigeria’s Most Reliable Field Event Star Continues to Shine
For years, Enekwechi has carried Nigeria’s hopes in the throwing events, representing the country at multiple major championships and consistently competing against the world’s best.
In a nation traditionally celebrated for producing elite sprinters, Enekwechi has carved out a unique legacy by elevating Nigeria’s reputation in field events.
The victory in Russia adds another significant achievement to his growing collection of international honours and serves as further proof of his continued progression.
– Read More: Nigeria’s Chukwuebuka Enekwechi Smashes African Shot Put Record with 22.10m Throw
Perfect Timing Ahead of Major Championships
The double success of Amusan and Enekwechi comes at an ideal moment for Nigerian athletics.
With major global competitions on the horizon, both athletes are showing signs of peaking at exactly the right time.
Amusan continues to look every bit the world-beating hurdler who owns the fastest time in history, while Enekwechi remains one of Africa’s most consistent and formidable shot put competitors.
