Jessica Oji Advances to Shot Put Final in Oregon

Jessica Oji, representing Team Nigeria, qualified for the women's shot put final at the 2026 World Athletics U-20 Championships held in Oregon, USA. Oji delivered an impressive performance in the qualification round, achieving a best throw of 17.56 meters, which surpassed the automatic qualifying mark and secured her the top position overall.

She outperformed Ecuador’s Belsy Jenniffer Quiñónez, who finished second with a throw of 17.25 meters, while Maria Rafailidou completed the top three qualifiers. Oji's performance has solidified her reputation as a rising star in athletics.

Earlier in the year, she switched allegiance to Nigeria and has since made headlines with her outstanding international performances. Her qualification adds to Team Nigeria's prospects for medals at the championships.

Oji, who won a silver medal at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, is now focused on replicating or improving her performance in the final as she seeks to secure a historic medal for Nigeria in the women's shot put.