Jessica Oji Wins Gold at World U20 Championships

On Friday, Jessica Oji, a 19-year-old athlete, became the first Nigerian to win a world title in a field event at the World Athletics U20 Championships held in Eugene, Oregon, United States. Oji secured the gold medal in the women's shot put with a throw of 18.08 meters, outperforming Belsy Jenniffer Quiñonez from Ecuador, who took silver with 17.90 meters, and Emily Scherf from Germany, who won bronze with 17.23 meters.

This achievement follows Oji's recent silver medal win at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, where she recorded a throw of 17.87 meters. Oji's performance at the U20 Championships included throws of 18.05m, 18.08m, 17.95m, and 18.07m, showcasing her potential as a future star in shot put.

She switched her allegiance from the United States to Nigeria in February and expressed her joy in competing for Nigeria. Prior to Oji's victory, Nigeria had only won two medals in previous U20 Championships.