Nigeria’s national record-holder in the men’s Shot Put, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, has booked his place in the final of the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

Enekwechi delivered a consistent performance in Friday’s qualification round, recording a best throw of 20.83 metres. The effort placed him 5th in Group Aand7th overall, well inside the top 12 required to advance to the final.

The achievement is particularly significant for the 31-year-old as it marks his fifth World Championships appearance. It also serves as redemption after he narrowly missed out on reaching the final in Budapest two years ago.

His qualification series underlined his steady form:

• First attempt: 20.83m
• Second attempt: 20.71m
• Third attempt: 20.83m

Though the leading throwers surpassed 21 metres, Enekwechi’s composure and consistency ensured safe passage to the medal round.

The Nigerian will now turn his attention to the final, where he hopes to translate this momentum into a podium finish and further cement his status among the world’s elite throwers.

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The Chief Executive Officer of the Elite Athletes Development and Performance Board, Yusuf Amuda Ali, has defended Nigeria’s decision to take a lean squad to the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships, stressing that the era of “jamboree trips” to major events is over.

Speaking at the weekend, Alli said the new approach was mandated by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and designed to ensure that only athletes with genuine medal prospects or long-term potential are given opportunities on the world stage.

“The era of going to major championships with a huge team that won’t benefit Team Nigeria in the long or short run is over,” Alli declared.

According to him, short-term beneficiaries are athletes whose current ranking and form suggest they can reach event finals, while long-term beneficiaries are young prospects who need exposure to top-level competition to prepare them for future medal success.

Alli cited his own career as an example, recalling how he was taken to the 1980 Moscow Olympics by Isaac Akioye, not to win medals, but to gain valuable experience.

“That experience defined my career,” he said. “Three years later, I became a world champion in Canada. We are investing in athletes that can reach the finals now and those who will be future medalists.”

The Tokyo 2025 World Championships will hold from September 13 to 21 in Japan.

Heading Nigeria’s roster is 100m hurdles world record holder Tobi Amusan, who has enjoyed an impressive season.

She is joined by shot putter Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, widely tipped as a medal contender, 400m hurdles star Ezekiel Nathaniel, and long jump specialist Ese Brume, who holds the African record at 7.17m.

Other athletes listed by Alli include Samuel Ogazi (400m), Kayinsola Ajayi (100m), Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons (discus), Prestina Ochonogor (long jump), Obiageri Amaechi (discus), Charles Godfred (long jump), Rosemary Chukwuma (100m), Oyesade Olatoye (hammer), Israel S. Okon (100m), and Chidi Okezie (400m).

Alli expressed optimism that the streamlined team would deliver both immediate impact and lay the foundation for Nigeria’s future successes in global athletics.

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The ancient city of Ile-Ife is set to host the maiden edition of the Ife Road Race on September 25, 2025, in what promises to be a vibrant celebration of athleticism, culture, and community development.

 Scheduled to hold during the iconic Olojo Festival, the 5-kilometre race aims to discover and nurture raw athletic talent while promoting healthy living and preserving Yoruba heritage.

Conceived by Sooko Adeleke Odewade, a passionate advocate of youth empowerment, the race is part of a broader mission to use sports as a tool for transformation.

“Our society lacks opportunities for discovering and grooming talent,” Sooko Odewade said. “This race is a platform to identify raw potential, but it won’t stop there. We’re building a system of coaching, mentorship, and support long after the race ends.”

With the gracious endorsement of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ife Road Race is being organised in partnership with the Alade’fa Athletic Family Initiative, and is open to youth, amateur runners, and professional athletes.

Participants will receive certificates of participation, with special cash prizes for category winners. 

The race route has been carefully designed to pass through notable cultural landmarks in Ile-Ife, offering a scenic tour of the city’s rich heritage.

Beyond competition, the race will connect promising young athletes with seasoned professionals, coaches, and institutions. 

Discussions are ongoing with universities, the state sports council, and veteran athletes—many of whom now thrive abroad—to provide post-race coaching and scholarship opportunities.

 “We want to help these young ones become world-class athletes. If we can create role models from this effort, the ripple effect will inspire many others,” Sooko Odewade added.

The event also aims to boost local economic activity by attracting visitors, vendors, and sponsors during the Olojo Festival period. 

Organisers are calling on corporate bodies, brands, government agencies, and philanthropists to support the race through sponsorship and partnership.

 “This is more than a race,” said an official from the Alade’fa Initiative. “It’s a movement. An investment in youth, in health, and in the cultural soul of our community.”

Registration is now open for interested participants via the official race platforms. Categories are available for youth, the general public, and elite runners, with limited slots to ensure a smooth and safe experience.

Organisers have also issued a call for sponsors, volunteers, media partners, and local businesses to come onboard and contribute to the success of this unique event.

With its blend of tradition, purpose, and athletic energy, the Ife Road Race is set to become a new flagship event on Nigeria’s sports and cultural calendar.