Nigeria’s shot put star, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, has revealed the immense sacrifices, injury struggles and financial challenges athletes face while calling for greater investment and commercialisation of athletics across Africa.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Commonwealth Games Trials at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos, the multiple-time African champion offered a candid insight into the realities of elite sport, stressing that athletes often endure pain and hardship that go unnoticed by the public.
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Popularly known as “Mr. Consistent” for his remarkable record of delivering medals for Nigeria on the international stage, Enekwechi said success in athletics comes at a significant personal cost.
“People see the competition day, the results and the celebration, but they do not always see what athletes go through behind the scenes to get there. There is a lot of sacrifice, pain and discipline involved in producing those performances,” Enekwechi said.
The Nigerian record holder noted that many athletes continue to compete despite carrying injuries, driven by their commitment to represent their countries with pride whenever called upon.
Enekwechi disclosed that he is currently managing a leg injury that may require surgery at the end of the season.
Despite the challenge, he remains determined to continue competing and maintain the level of excellence that has defined his career.
The reigning African champion expressed confidence ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, insisting that his focus remains on delivering strong performances for Team Nigeria.
Beyond competition, Enekwechi highlighted the need for athletics in Africa to become more financially rewarding. He welcomed the introduction of prize money at the AFN trials by the federation’s Second Vice President, Akuchukwu Aghazu, describing it as a step in the right direction.
“You cannot just expect athletes to come out and perform at every African event because athletics is fun. There has to be value, there has to be motivation, and prize money is one of the things that can add that spark,” he stated.
According to Enekwechi, African athletics possesses enormous talent but requires stronger commercial structures, sponsorship opportunities and financial incentives to unlock its full potential.
Over the last eight years, Enekwechi has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most dependable athletes, consistently winning medals at major international championships.
His impressive achievements include a silver medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, gold medals at the African Games in Rabat (2019) and Accra (2023), as well as African Championship titles in Asaba (2018), Saint-Pierre (2022) and Douala (2024).
His remarkable run of success was interrupted earlier this year when injury ruled him out of the 2026 African Championships.
As he prepares for another major international assignment.
Enekwechi’s message remains clear: behind every medal lies years of sacrifice, resilience and dedication, and African athletics must do more to reward the athletes who continue to carry the continent’s hopes on the global stage.
Enekwechi’s Major International Medals for Nigeria
Commonwealth Games
Silver Medal — Gold Coast 2018
African Games
Gold Medal — Rabat 2019
Gold Medal — Accra 2023
African Championships
Gold Medal — Asaba 2018
Gold Medal — Saint-Pierre 2022
Gold Medal — Douala 2024
