Team Nigeria have been dealt a massive setback ahead of the 2026 African Athletics Championships in Accra after Chukwuebuka Enekwechi officially withdrew from the competition.
The Nigerian shot put star was originally included in the country’s 45-athlete squad and was widely seen as one of Nigeria’s strongest gold medal hopes in Ghana.
Nigeria Lose Defending Champion
Enekwechi’s withdrawal was confirmed by Making of Champions via their official X account on Monday.
“Another withdrawal for Nigeria — Chukwuebuka Enekwechi will not be participating at the 2026 African Championships in Ghana.”
The statement also confirmed that the Nigerian star will not defend the title he has won on three consecutive occasions.
“Big Chuks will not be defending the title he won three consecutive times.”
Massive Blow To Medal Hopes
Enekwechi’s absence represents a huge loss for Team Nigeria considering his dominance in African shot put over the last few years.
The powerful thrower has been in impressive form throughout 2026 and opened his season with a winning 20.82m throw at the prestigious Orlen Cup in Poland.
His consistency and experience made him one of the favourites to secure another gold medal for Nigeria in Accra.
Nigeria Turn To Audu And Oladipo
Following Enekwechi’s withdrawal, Nigeria will now rely on Emmanuel Audu and Divine Oladipo to represent the country in the shot put events.
While both athletes are talented, Enekwechi’s absence leaves a major gap in Nigeria’s field event ambitions at the continental championships.
