Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, Nigeria’s sole representative at the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, concluded his participation with a commendable fifth-place finish in the shot put event. Enekwechi achieved a season’s best throw of 21.25 meters, marking his highest placement in an international competition to date. While his performance demonstrated his prowess and dedication, it fell short of a podium finish, leaving Nigeria without a medal at the championship. The event was won by New Zealand’s Tom Walsh, who secured his third world indoor title and sixth medal overall in the event with a throw of 21.65 meters. Walsh was followed by American athletes Roger Steen and Adrian Piperi, who claimed second and third place respectively.
Enekwechi’s participation as the lone Nigerian athlete underscored the administrative challenges that plagued the country’s representation at the championship. Initially, ten Nigerian athletes were registered for the event, according to the World Athletics’ published list. However, visa and ticketing complications, attributed to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), prevented the other nine athletes from joining Enekwechi in Nanjing. This administrative oversight significantly hampered Nigeria’s potential to showcase its athletic talent on the global stage and left Enekwechi carrying the weight of national expectations alone.
The AFN’s struggles extended beyond visa and ticketing issues. Reports emerged highlighting communication breakdowns between the federation and the athletes regarding event registrations. Chidi Okezie, an African Games gold medalist in the 400m, publicly criticized the AFN for registering him only for the 4x400m relay and not the individual 400m race, a decision that contradicted his competitive intentions. This miscommunication further underscored the administrative disarray within the AFN and its detrimental impact on the athletes’ preparation and participation.
The difficulties faced by the Nigerian contingent at the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships reflect a broader pattern of administrative shortcomings within the AFN. Prior to the visa issues, the AFN reportedly considered withdrawing entirely from the championship due to the demanding schedules of Nigerian athletes competing in the NCAA. This initial hesitancy to participate, coupled with the subsequent visa and registration problems, paints a picture of an organization struggling to effectively manage its athletes and prioritize their international competitive opportunities.
Enekwechi’s fifth-place finish, while commendable under the circumstances, serves as a poignant reminder of the untapped potential within Nigerian athletics. Had the AFN effectively managed the administrative aspects of the team’s participation, Nigeria could have fielded a full contingent of athletes, potentially increasing the nation’s chances of securing medals and showcasing its athletic talent on the international stage. The events surrounding the championship highlight the urgent need for reform and improved organizational efficiency within the AFN to ensure that Nigerian athletes are adequately supported and empowered to compete at their highest potential.
The 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships provided a stark lesson for the AFN and Nigerian athletics as a whole. Enekwechi’s solo performance, while a testament to his individual resilience and ability, underscored the detrimental impact of administrative inadequacies on the nation’s sporting aspirations. Moving forward, addressing the systemic issues within the AFN will be crucial to unlocking the full potential of Nigerian athletes and ensuring their successful participation in future international competitions. The experience in Nanjing serves as a call for greater accountability, improved communication, and a more athlete-centric approach within the federation to prevent similar setbacks and enable Nigerian athletes to thrive on the world stage.
