Oji Advances to Global Junior Shot Put Championship Round

At the 2026 World Athletics U-20 Championships in Oregon, USA, Jessica Oji of Team Nigeria turned in a standout effort, earning a spot in the women's shot put final with a notable display of skill and power. Oji's qualification round performance was marked by a personal best throw of 17.56 metres, which handily cleared the automatic qualifying standard and propelled her to the top of the overall standings.

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During the qualification round, Oji demonstrated her technical prowess, outdistancing her nearest competitors, including Ecuador's Belsy Jenniffer Quiñónez, who finished second with a throw of 17.25m, and Maria Rafailidou, who secured the third spot.

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Oji's impressive showing served to further bolster her growing reputation as a rising star in the world of athletics, with her recent performances on the international stage generating considerable attention and acclaim.

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Having recently switched allegiance to Nigeria earlier this year, the talented young shot putter has consistently delivered exceptional results, including a silver medal win at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

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With her confidence riding high after topping the qualification round, Oji is now poised to build on her momentum, seeking to match or exceed her performance in the final as she pursues a historic medal for Nigeria in the women's shot put.