Okowa Hails Jessica Oji's Historic World U20 Gold

… assures of more investments in young athletes

President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa, has congratulated Jessica Oji after she made history by winning the women's shot put gold medal at the ongoing World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

Oji became the first Nigerian athlete to win a world title in a field event at any level after throwing a championship-winning 18.08m.

She opened with 18.05m, improved to 18.08m, and finished with 18.07m to seal a dominant victory.

Ecuador's Belsy Jennifer Quinonez won silver with 17.90m, while Germany's Emily Scherf claimed the bronze.

In a statement signed by the AFN’s Media Coordinator, Dr. Kola Oredipe, President Okowa described Oji’s achievement as a landmark moment for Nigerian athletics, praising her hard work, consistency, and determination.

He also commended her coaches, support staff, and the National Sports Commission for their contributions to her success.

The victory comes shortly after Oji won a silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, further confirming her status as one of Nigeria's brightest young athletics stars.

The AFN President, who is also Senior Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), President of CAA Region II, congratulated other athletes who have progressed in their various events, expressing the hope they will do better in the next phase or competitions.

Okowa, said with the array of young Nigerian athletes dominating various events locally and internationally, the future of track and field events is very bright in Nigeria, assuring that the federation will continue to provide them mentorship and platforms to compete regularly to make their marks.

Signed:

Dr. Kola Oredipe

AFN’s Media Coordinator

7th August, 2026