By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Nigeria’s Jessica Oji delivered another outstanding performance at the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon, topping the women’s shot put qualification standings to secure a place in the final.
The 19-year-old threw 17.56 metres to achieve the automatic qualifying mark and finish as the best performer across both qualification groups.
Oji finished ahead of Ecuador’s Belsy Jennifer Quinonez, who recorded 17.25m, while Germany’s Emily Scherf placed third with a throw of 16.58m.
The qualification performance continues an impressive run of form for the Nigerian youngster, who arrived in Oregon on the back of her silver medal-winning outing at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, where she produced a personal best of 17.87m.
Having secured qualification with her opening throw, Oji heads into the final as one of the favourites, with expectations that she can surpass her qualifying mark. She is scheduled to compete in the final later on Thursday evening (Friday, 3:40 a.m. Nigerian time).
Oji’s seamless transition from the Commonwealth Games podium to leading the qualification round at the World U20 Championships further highlights her rapid rise as one of Nigeria’s brightest prospects in field events.
