Nigerian shot put star Chukwuebuka Enekwechi is set to make his long-awaited debut in the 2025 Wanda Diamond League season as the prestigious athletics series heads to Rabat, Morocco, for its fourth stop on Sunday, May 25.
The 32-year-old athlete, who is the reigning African Games champion and a two-time African Championships gold medallist, was officially listed among the participants for the men’s shot put event.
This marks his first outing in the Diamond League circuit this year, as the discipline was not featured in the first three meets held in Xiamen (April 26), Shanghai (May 3), and Doha (May 16).
Enekwechi’s appearance in Rabat presents an important opportunity to test his competitive readiness ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships scheduled to take place in Tokyo, Japan, in September.
With several months of preparation behind him, the meet in Morocco will serve as both a performance benchmark and a critical step toward peaking at the global event. He faces stiff competition in Rabat, going head-to-head with 11 other world-class athletes.
Among the most formidable contenders are American two-time world champion and Olympic silver medallist Joe Kovacs, New Zealand’s Tom Walsh—a multiple Olympic and world championship medallist—and Jamaica’s Rajindra Campbell, who claimed bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Despite having the lowest recorded mark among the field this season—a throw of 20.37m—Enekwechi is no stranger to adversity. Known for his technical consistency and mental resilience, he remains a strong contender capable of upsetting more favoured opponents.
In a field as deep and experienced as Rabat’s, Enekwechi’s experience on the international stage could prove invaluable.
Leading the pack in terms of season’s best throws is American Steen Roger, whose 21.62m mark stands as the top distance heading into Sunday’s event.
This makes Roger the athlete to beat, while others, including Enekwechi, will look to close the gap and mount a serious challenge.
The men’s shot put event is one of 14 disciplines scheduled for the Rabat Diamond League meet—eight for men and six for women—bringing together some of the finest athletes from around the world in a showcase of speed, strength, and skill.
For Enekwechi, the Rabat meet is more than a competition—it’s a vital checkpoint on the road to Tokyo and a chance to prove that he remains one of Africa’s premier field athletes on the world stage.
With a strong performance, he could not only boost his confidence but also solidify his position among the world’s elite in a sport dominated by powerhouses from North America and Oceania.
All eyes will be on the Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex on Sunday, as the shot put ring hosts a clash of giants—and Enekwechi aims to make his mark.
