- By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye
Yaba came alive on Sunday as the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Commonwealth Games Trials got underway at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex.
Away from the competition arena, Nigeria’s shot put star, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, fondly known as Mr. Consistent, offered a rare insight into the realities of life as an elite athlete.
Speaking with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG’s Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, Enekwechi highlighted the sacrifices, pain and discipli mmne that athletes endure in pursuit of excellence, often without the public fully appreciating what happens behind the scenes.
According to the multiple-time African champion, athletes are not machines but human beings constantly dealing with physical strain, mental pressure and hidden injuries while striving to represent their countries with pride.
“People see the competition day, the results and the celebration, but they do not always see what athletes go through behind the scenes to get there. There is a lot of sacrifice, pain and discipline involved in producing those performances,” Enekwechi said.
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The Nigerian record holder explained that many athletes continue to compete despite carrying injuries, giving their all whenever they are called upon to represent their nation.
It is a situation he understands all too well.
Enekwechi revealed that he is currently managing a leg injury that may require surgery at the end of the season. Nevertheless, he remains determined to continue competing and delivering strong performances for Nigeria.
Despite the setback, the shot put star expressed confidence ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, insisting that he remains focused on maintaining the high standards that have earned him the nickname Mr. Consistent.
Beyond performances on the field, Enekwechi also addressed the financial realities of athletics, stressing that the sport deserves greater respect, appreciation and investment if it is to continue growing across Africa.
He welcomed the introduction of prize money at the trials by the AFN’s Second Vice President, Akuchukwu Aghazu, describing the initiative as a positive step that could inject fresh motivation into the sport.
“You cannot just expect athletes to come out and perform at every African event because athletics is fun. There has to be value, there has to be motivation, and prize money is one of the things that can add that spark,” he added.
Enekwechi further argued that African athletics must embrace stronger commercial structures and greater financial rewards if the continent is to maximise its vast sporting potential.
One of Nigeria’s most reliable athletes over the past eight years, Enekwechi has consistently delivered medals for Team Nigeria on the international stage.
From winning silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast to claiming gold at the 2024 African Championships in Douala, he has established himself as one of the country’s most dependable performers.
His remarkable streak was only interrupted this year, when injury prevented him from competing at the 2026 African Championships.
Enekwechi’s Major International Medals for Team Nigeria
Commonwealth Games
- Silver Medal — Gold Coast 2018
African Games
- Gold Medal — Rabat 2019
- Gold Medal — Accra 2023
African Championships
- Gold Medal — Asaba 2018
- Gold Medal — Saint-Pierre 2022
- Gold Medal — Douala 2024
As he prepares for another major international assignment, Enekwechi’s message is clear, behind every medal-winning performance lies years of sacrifice, resilience and dedication and African athletics must do more to reward those who carry its hopes on the global stage.
