AFN celebrates as ace shot putter, Oji pledges allegiance to Nigeria

Officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) were buzzing with excitement yesterday following the confirmation that shot put star, Jessica Oji is now eligible to represent the country in international competitions.

Coming just when stakeholders were ruing the exit of one of the country’s best sprinters Favour Ashe, who has changed allegiance to Qatar, the AFN said Orji’s decision is a sign that the country’s quest to regain its position in world athletics is on course.

Breaking the news of Oji’s change of nationality from the United States to Nigeria, AFN’s Performance Director, Victor Okorie, said the development portends many good things for the country.

Okorie, who is also AFN’s Diaspora Liaison Officer, described Oji as an exceptional shot put thrower currently studying at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States of America.

“At just 18 years old, Jessica has already thrown a remarkable 18.45 metres — a performance that ranks her as number one all-time in Africa, makes her Nigeria’s number one all-time and places her as Africa’s U-20 number one all-time.

“Subject to ratification by World Athletics (WA), she is currently African women’s shot put record holder.”

According to Okorie, “Oji is among the most promising young athletes in the world and with her talent, discipline, and commitment, she is undoubtedly one of Nigeria’s brightest prospects heading toward the LA 2028 Olympic Games.”

Okorie said getting Oji to pledge allegiance to Nigeria would not have been possible without the support of the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, who followed the process to fruition.

Okorie, a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, U.S., said despite the odds Nigeria’s athletics has a bright future, adding, “with talents like Jessica Oji, structured leadership, and sustained national support, we are building a new era of excellence, one that will see our flag fly high on the global stage.”