By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Nigerian international quarter-miler Edidiong Udo has put a ₦200,000 performance bonus on the line for athletes who meet specified standards in the men’s and women’s 800m races at the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet.
The anniversary meet is scheduled to hold on November 7 at the Yabatech Sports Complex in Lagos, with the two races to be named the Edidiong Udo Men’s 800m and Edidiong Udo Women’s 800m.
Under the special incentive, every female athlete who runs faster than 2:07 and every male athlete who breaks 1:52 will receive ₦200,000, regardless of their finishing position or regular prize money.
Udo, who began his athletics career as an 800m runner before switching to the 400m, said his personal connection with the event motivated his decision to support the races.
“I used to run the 800m, so supporting the event means a lot to me. I want to see athletes keep training, competing and putting themselves in a position to earn something for themselves,” he said.
The athlete became Nigerian 400m champion in 2022 before earning a scholarship to The Ohio State University in the United States.
His 2026 season brought another major breakthrough when he lowered his personal best to 44.91 seconds at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships, becoming the second Nigerian to run under 45 seconds in the 400m this season.
He subsequently made his Team Nigeria debut at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, finishing eighth in the 400m final and helping Nigeria win bronze in the mixed 4x400m relay.
Udo also commended Athletic Heat and its founder and CEO, Ese Oguma, for their contribution to promoting and giving visibility to Nigerian and African athletes.
“I just want to appreciate Athletic Heat for the constant support they have shown to Nigerian athletes and for the work they continue to do in showcasing Nigerian and African athletes,” he said.
He added that the platform’s decade-long contribution to athletics made its 10th anniversary an occasion worth supporting.
“Athletic Heat has stood for excellence for the past 10 years, and I want to be part of that. To celebrate 10 years, they are putting together a meet, and I encourage every Nigerian and African athlete to be part of this milestone.”
Oguma described Udo’s intervention as a significant gesture from an athlete who understands the challenges and progression involved in athletics.
“Edidiong is someone who understands what it means to develop through athletics, having competed in the 800m before moving to the 400m. His decision to support both the men’s and women’s 800m and add a performance bonus is a great gesture to the athletes,” he said.
Udo said the incentive was his way of contributing to Athletic Heat’s anniversary and encouraging athletes to continue striving for excellence.
“This is just my little way of appreciating Athletic Heat and being part of the excellence they are known for. I encourage everyone to come and be part of it. Keep training, keep working and hopefully you can get some cool cash for yourself too,” he said.
The Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet will mark a decade of the platform’s involvement in promoting athletics and providing exposure for athletes across Nigeria and Africa.
