US-based teenager sets national youth mark at Tiger Paw Invitational weeks after becoming eligible to represent Nigeria

Eighteen-year-old Jessica Oji has made an instant impact for Nigeria after breaking the country’s U-20 shot put record in her first competition representing the nation.

Competing at the Tiger Paw Invitational in Clemson, United States, Oji recorded a best throw of 17.74 metres to finish second in the women’s shot put event, a performance that now stands as the Nigerian national U-20 record.

The feat marks a strong start to her international career under the Nigerian flag following her recent switch of allegiance from the United States. Oji became eligible to represent Nigeria on February 3, 2026, in line with World Athletics’ Eligibility to Represent a Member regulations, after officially changing affiliation on February 2.

Before the switch, Oji enjoyed a successful spell in the American collegiate system. She was crowned USA U-20 shot put champion in 2025 and currently competes as a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania.

Earlier this year, she set a new Ivy League record with a personal best throw of 18.45 metres, a mark that currently places her second in the NCAA rankings this season.

That throw is particularly notable as it surpasses the long-standing African record of 18.43 metres, previously held by Vivian Chukwuemeka. However, the mark does not officially count as an African or Nigerian record as it was achieved before Oji’s transfer of allegiance was completed.

Oji’s record-breaking performance highlighted a series of impressive outings by Nigerian athletes across collegiate meets in the United States over the weekend.

Sprinters Kanyinsola Ajayi and Israel Okon impressed in the men’s 60 metres, clocking 6.54 seconds and 6.57 seconds respectively across multiple rounds, while Adekalu Fakorede also posted a season’s best of 6.59 seconds.