Commonwealth Games: Chioma wins gold for Nigeria

Chioma Onyekwere has expressed fulfillment after winning gold in the women’s discus category on her debut appearance at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

The 28-year-old African champion won gold late Tuesday with a season’s-best throw of 61.70m, edging out England’s Jade Lally, while fellow Nigerian Obiageri Amaechi settled for bronze.

Onyekwere’s feat saw her become the second African woman to win the Commonwealth discus gold, after South Africa’s Elizna Naude in Melbourne in 2006.

“It’s amazing to come out for our first Commonwealth and both get on the podium and represent Nigeria well, “Onyekwere told BBC Sport Africa.

“It’s a great accomplishment. It is absolutely Africans’ time to shine – we deserve a spot and a seat on the table.

“I’m looking forward to having more Africans representing in the field events, especially in the throws. We are strong, powerful people.

She improved on the mark of 58.19m she threw to become African champion for the second time in Mauritius in June.

“At the beginning of the year, I was dealing with an injury that I was struggling with,” she said.

“It was a hard circle to throw in at the Worlds, but I’m still grateful that I had the opportunity to showcase what I can do. Because I’ve known I’ve been able to throw far this whole time. I’m excited by what’s to come.”

“It’s amazing to come out for our first Commonwealth and both get on the podium and represent Nigeria well. It’s a great accomplishment.”