Nigeria's Jessica Oji qualifies in style for women's shot put final

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By Maxwell Kumoye 
 
 
 

Team Nigeria's Jessica Oji delivered an impressive performance to book her place in the women's shot put final at the ongoing 2026 World Athletics U-20 Championships in Oregon, USA.

Oji showcased her class in the qualification round with a best throw of 17.56 metres, comfortably surpassing the automatic qualifying mark to finish first overall in the standings.

The Nigerian teenager led a strong field ahead of Ecuador's Belsy Jenniffer Quiñónez, who secured second place with a throw of 17.25m, while Maria Rafailidou completed the top three qualifiers.

Oji's commanding display further underlined her growing reputation as one of the brightest young talents in global athletics. 

Having switched allegiance to Nigeria earlier this year, the talented shot putter has continued to make headlines with a series of outstanding performances on the international stage.

Her qualification gives Team Nigeria another genuine medal prospect at the championships as the nation's contingent continues its quest for podium finishes in Oregon.

With confidence high after topping the qualification round, Oji a silver medallist at the just concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland will now aim to replicate, or even improve on her performance in the final as she chases a historic medal for Nigeria in the women's shot put.

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