Nigeria’s shot put record-holder Chukwuebuka Enekwechi has urged African athletics to build stronger commercial frameworks and increase financial rewards for athletes, arguing that the sport must better compensate competitors who put their bodies on the line for continental success.
The multiple-time African champion—widely known as “Mr. Consistent”—made the call during the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Commonwealth Games Trials held at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos on Sunday.
Speaking on the sidelines, Enekwechi said spectators often focus only on the competition day and the podium celebrations, without seeing the work that goes into reaching that point. He added that achieving top performances requires significant sacrifice, enduring pain, and strict discipline.
He also disclosed that he is currently dealing with a leg problem that could lead to surgery after the season ends, but insisted he is still determined to stay in contention and represent Nigeria.
Despite the injury disruption, Enekwechi expressed optimism ahead of the Commonwealth Games, saying he plans to keep the performance levels that earned him his nickname.
He welcomed the decision to introduce prize money at the trials, a move announced by AFN Second Vice President Akuchukwu Aghazu. Enekwechi described the incentive as a potential boost that could provide added motivation across the event.
“You cannot simply expect athletes to show up and perform at every African event because athletics is entertaining,” he said. “There has to be value, and there has to be motivation—and prize money is one of the ways to add that spark.”
Over the past eight years, Enekwechi has been among Nigeria’s most dependable field competitors, regularly delivering medals for Team Nigeria at major championships. His medal-producing run was disrupted in 2026 when injury forced him to miss the African Championships.
ENEKWECHI’S MAJOR MEDALS FOR TEAM NIGERIA:
