Team Nigeria’s hopes of securing a medal in the men’s shot put at the 2026 African Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana, have suffered a major setback following the withdrawal of defending champion Chukwuebuka Enekwechi from the competition.
The Nigerian star had initially been included in the country’s 45 athlete squad for the continental event and was widely regarded as one of the strongest favourites to retain his title once again.
Confirmation of his withdrawal was announced on Monday by Making of Champions through their official X account.
“Another withdrawal for Nigeria — Chukwuebuka Enekwechi will not be participating at the 2026 African Championships in Ghana. Big Chuks will not be defending the title he won three consecutive times. Emmanuel Audu and Divine Oladipo will represent Nigeria in the shot put events in Accra.”
Enekwechi’s absence is expected to be deeply felt within the Nigerian camp considering his remarkable dominance in the event over the last few years. The powerful thrower has established himself as one of Africa’s most successful field athletes and had been chasing a historic fourth consecutive African title in Accra.
Strong form had already been shown by the Nigerian earlier this season. His 2026 campaign was opened impressively with a winning throw of 20.82 metres at the Orlen Cup in Poland, further strengthening expectations that another gold medal could be secured for Team Nigeria at the Championships.
Over recent editions of the African Championships, the shot put title had consistently been controlled by Enekwechi, whose performances helped maintain Nigeria’s strong reputation in field events on the continent.
With the defending champion now unavailable, responsibility will fall on Emmanuel Audu and Divine Oladipo to carry Nigeria’s hopes in the shot put competition in Accra.
Although quality replacements have been named, Enekwechi’s withdrawal remains a significant blow to Nigeria’s medal ambitions, especially in the men’s field events where his experience and consistency had made him one of the country’s brightest prospects for gold.
