By our reporter 18.10.2026
Throwers Chukwuebuka Enekwechi and Ebubechukwu Vincent Ugwoke have given more financial muscle to the November 7 Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet in Lagos.
Enekwechi a two-time Olympian, 2026 Commonwealth Games gold medalist, African champion and African record holder in the short put is tabling N950,000 to support the athletes in the short-put event.
Under the arrangement for the men’s shot put alone, the winner will pocket ₦400,000, while the second-place finisher will receive ₦300,000. Third place attracts ₦150,000, with the fourth-place athlete earning ₦100,000.
“I love my people, I love my sport, and I love my country. I just feel that, given my position, it’s a great opportunity to give back to young people, and hopefully, it inspires young talent that hasn’t had a chance. If I can help and called to the sport, then I’m glad to do so,” he said.
On this part Ugwoke who is Nigeria’s leading discus thrower chipped in ₦575,000.
Ugwoke, a two-time national champion, recently strengthened his international credentials by winning bronze in the men’s discus throw at the 2026 NCAA Outdoor Championships with a lifetime personal best of 63.89 metres. The performance also placed him as Africa’s second-best discus thrower in 2026.
His sponsorship will reward the four best performers in the event, with the winner receiving ₦250,000, the second-place finisher earning ₦150,000, and the third and fourth positions attracting ₦100,000 and ₦75,000, respectively.
The decision to extend the prize money to fourth place was particularly welcomed by Athletic Heat Chief Executive Officer, Ese Oguma, who said the gesture reflected Ugwoke’s desire to ensure that more athletes benefit financially from the competition.
“I am thankful to Ebubechukwu for his support. One thing he told me was that he wanted even the fourth-place finisher to go home with an amount equivalent to Nigeria’s minimum wage, which is ₦75,000. I’m immensely grateful for this, as it will boost the athletes competing to put in their very best,” Oguma said.
The Athletic Heat anniversary meet will celebrate the organisation’s 10-year journey while providing a platform for athletes to test their abilities and compete for recognition.
The competition will also offer participants an opportunity to sharpen their form ahead of the National Sports Festival, as athletes continue preparations for the national sporting event.
Registration remains open on A3tickets.com, with interested athletes required to register before the October 24, 2026 deadline