Enekwechi Wins Orlen Cup with World-Leading 20.82m Throw

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Nigeria’s shot put sensation, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, has launched his 2026 indoor season in commanding style, storming to victory at the Orlen Cup in Łódź, Poland, with a world-leading throw of 20.82 metres.

Competing at the World Athletics Indoor Tour Silver meeting, the African record holder delivered a dominant performance to secure gold and move to the top of the global rankings early in the season, immediately establishing himself as a leading contender ahead of major championships in 2026.

Enekwechi’s winning throw proved too strong for the rest of the field, as Romania’s Andrei Toader settled for silver with 20.55m, while Serbia’s Armin Sinančević claimed bronze after a 19.93m effort. The Nigerian star stood out with a powerful and consistent series that included multiple throws beyond the 20-metre mark.

The victory marks Enekwechi’s first Orlen Cup title, following previous runner-up finishes, and reflects his steady progression into the elite tier of global shot put.

Born in Queens, New York, the 32-year-old proudly represents Nigeria and has built one of the most impressive resumes in African field athletics. He is a multiple African champion, 2019 African Games gold medalist, Commonwealth Games silver medalist, and achieved a historic sixth-place finish at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

A former NCAA standout at Purdue University, Enekwechi made continental history in 2025 by becoming Africa’s first shot putter to surpass 22 metres outdoors, setting a new African record of 22.10m.

With his explosive start in Łódź, expectations are soaring for the Nigerian powerhouse as he builds momentum toward continental and global competitions later in the year.

For Nigeria and African athletics, Enekwechi’s message is unmistakable: 2026 has begun—and he is ready to dominate.