Jessica Oji stepped into competition wearing Nigerian colours for the first time and left with a podium finish. At the Tiger Paw Invitational in Clemson, South Carolina, the 18-year-old shot putter threw 17.74 metres to place second in a strong collegiate field.
It was her first appearance for Nigeria after completing her switch of allegiance from the United States earlier this month. The performance immediately placed her among the country’s most promising field athletes and added fresh energy to Nigeria’s throwing events.
Competing at the Clemson Indoor Track and Field Complex, Oji opened with composed attempts before delivering her best throw midway through the series. The mark held up for second place, confirming a steady start rather than a tentative one. For an athlete adjusting to a new international identity, the composure stood out.
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Record Implications and Continental Context
Oji’s 17.74m effort now stands as a new Nigerian U-20 record. The distance adds another layer to an already impressive résumé built within the American collegiate system.
Her personal best of 18.45m, achieved earlier this season, remains the bigger headline in the background. That mark is two centimetres beyond the African record of 18.43m set by former Nigerian thrower Vivian Chukwuemeka. While Oji’s 18.45m was recorded before her transfer process was finalised, it signals the level she is capable of reaching under Nigeria’s banner.
For context, an 18-metre throw in women’s shot put places an athlete within reach of major championship finals. Oji is already operating around that range as a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania. Earlier in the season, she set a new Ivy League record and climbed to second in the NCAA rankings.
Her development has been steady. In 2025, she claimed the USA U-20 shot put title, confirming her standing among the best young throwers in the country. The decision to represent Nigeria opens a new chapter, one that aligns her performances with the ambitions of a nation eager to strengthen its presence in field events.
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A Wider Weekend for Nigerian Athletes
Oji’s debut was part of a productive weekend for Nigerian athletes competing across indoor meets in the United States.
At the same Tiger Paw Invitational, sprinters, Kanyinsola Ajayi and Israel Okon, clocked 6.54s and 6.57s respectively in the 60 metres. Adekalu Fakorede improved his season’s best to 6.59s, while Edidiong Udo opened his 400m campaign with 45.65s. Samuel Ogazi delivered a 44.24s anchor split in the 4x400m relay for Alabama.
Elsewhere, Esther Joseph dipped under 23 seconds indoors for the first time, running 22.94s in the 200m at the Tyson Invitational in Arkansas. Prestina Ochonogor jumped 6.69m to win the long jump, and Emmanuel Njoku matched the national-leading mark of 7.93m in the men’s event.
Within that broader picture, Oji’s performance carried extra weight because of what it represents. Nigeria has traditionally found its global success in sprints and relays. Field events have offered fewer highlights in recent years. A young thrower already pushing beyond 18 metres changes that conversation.
The indoor season is still unfolding, with conference championships and NCAA meets ahead. For Oji, each competition now doubles as preparation for future continental and global assignments under Nigeria’s flag.
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