Enekwechi claims shot put silver as Walaza, Eseme shine in Ostrava

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

 

Nigeria’s Chukwuebuka Enekwechi delivered another strong performance on the international circuit ahead of the Commonwealth Games Trials, finishing second in the men’s shot put at the prestigious Golden Spike meeting in Ostrava, Czech Republic, on Tuesday. 

South Africa’s Bayanda Walaza and Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme produced impressive times in the men’s 100 metres at the same competition.

Enekwechi, one of Africa’s leading throwers, recorded a best effort of 21.43m to secure the runner-up position behind Italy’s two-time world medallist Leonardo Fabbri, who retained his Golden Spike title with a winning throw of 21.91m.

The Nigerian star once again demonstrated his consistency at the highest level, holding off a quality field and continuing his preparations for the major championships later in the season. 

Enekwechi has remained one of Nigeria’s most reliable performers in the throwing events and his latest podium finish further underlined his status among the world’s elite shot putters.

On the track, South African sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza stole the spotlight in the men’s 100m, equalling his personal best of 9.94 seconds to claim victory in a highly competitive race.

Walaza exploded from the blocks and maintained his advantage through the finish line, becoming the only athlete in the field to break the 10-second barrier comfortably.

Close behind was Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme, who continued his fine run of form by clocking 9.99 seconds to finish second. 

Eseme’s second sub-10-second performance within two weeks, reaffirmed his position as one of Africa’s premier sprinters and set up an exciting rivalry with Walaza ahead of future international competitions.

The Golden Spike meeting also witnessed a historic performance from Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles, who shattered the world record in the 150m with a stunning 14.67 seconds.

The American eclipsed the previous mark of 14.92 and extended his unbeaten outdoor campaign in 2026.

South Africa’s Sinesipho Dambile finished second in the 150m in 14.78, also inside the previous world best, while Australia’s rising star Gout Gout placed third in 14.96.

For Nigeria, Enekwechi’s podium finish provided another encouraging highlight, as the African record holder continued to show he remains a major contender on the global shot put stage.