By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Nigerian athletics stars Charles Godfred and Ugwu Emeka have pledged a combined ₦700,000 to reward competitors in the men’s long jump and hammer throw at the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet, scheduled for November 7 at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos.
Godfred, an African U20 champion and two-time Nigerian national champion, is committing ₦500,000 to the men’s long jump, while NCAA All-American shot putter Emeka has pledged ₦200,000 for the men’s hammer throw, which will be named the Ugwu Emeka Hammer Throw.
Godfred’s sponsorship will reward the top eight long jumpers, while the top four hammer throwers will receive ₦100,000, ₦50,000, ₦30,000 and ₦20,000, respectively.
Explaining his decision to support the competition, Godfred, who competes for the University of Minnesota, said the long jump had transformed his life by giving him purpose and opening doors to opportunities he never imagined.
He said his contribution was aimed at helping young athletes experience similar opportunities through sports.
Emeka, a junior at the University of Pittsburgh, described his sponsorship as an opportunity to give back to Nigeria’s throwing community and encourage emerging athletes, despite the hammer throw not being his primary event.
Athletic Heat Chief Executive Officer, Ese Oguma, commended both athletes for investing in the competition, noting that their contributions would provide financial incentives for participants and promote greater recognition for field events.
The 10th anniversary edition of the Athletic Heat Meet will be held at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, Lagos, on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
The competition aims to celebrate a decade of athletics development while providing athletes with an opportunity to showcase their talents ahead of the National Sports Festival.
Athletes yet to register have been encouraged to complete the process through A3 Tickets.
