By our reporter
Nigerian 400m runner Edidiong Udo has put N200,000 on the table for any women and men athletes who can break 1.52.00 and 2.07.00secs reactively at the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet billed for November 7 at Yabatech Sports Complex, Lagos.
The bonus will be available to any female athlete who runs faster than 2:07 and any male athlete who breaks 1:52, irrespective of the regular prize attached to their finishing position.
The gesture has a strong personal connection for Udo, who started his own athletics journey as an 800m runner before eventually switching to the 400m.
He became Nigerian 400m champion in 2022 and subsequently earned a scholarship to The Ohio State University, where he has continued to establish himself on the international scene.
His 2026 campaign produced another major breakthrough as he lowered his personal best to 44.91 seconds at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships, making him the second Nigerian to dip under 45 seconds in the 400m this season.
Udo then made his Team Nigeria debut at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, reaching the 400m final and placing eighth before contributing to Nigeria’s bronze-medal finish in the mixed 4x400m relay.
Despite making his mark in the 400m, the 800m remains an important part of Udo’s story, making his decision to attach his name and resources to the event particularly significant.
“I used to run the 800m, so supporting the event means a lot to me,” Udo said.
“I want to see athletes keep training, competing and putting themselves in a position to earn something for themselves.”
The quarter-miler said his involvement was also driven by his appreciation for Athletic Heat’s work in creating visibility for athletes, particularly through its founder and CEO, Ese Oguma.
“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.”
According to Udo, the organisation’s decade-long contribution to athletics made the 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, meanwhile, described Udo’s intervention as a meaningful contribution from an athlete who understands the journey from the 800m to the elite level.
“Edidiong is someone who understands what it means to develop through athletics, having competed in the 800m before moving to the 400m,” Oguma said.
“His decision to support both the men’s and women’s 800m and add a performance bonus is a great gesture to the athletes.”