Godfred, Emeka commit ₦700,000 to Athletic Heat anniversary meet

Nigerian athletics stars Charles Godfred and Ugwu Emeka have committed a combined ₦700,000 to sponsor the men’s long jump and hammer throw events at the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet in Lagos.

Godfred, an African U-20 champion, two-time Nigerian national champion and Big Ten champion, is sponsoring the men’s long jump with ₦500,000, 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, the University of Minnesota athlete said the long jump had transformed his life by giving him purpose and opening doors he never imagined possible.

He added that his support was aimed at helping young athletes experience similar opportunities through athletics.

Emeka, a junior at the University of Pittsburgh, said his sponsorship was 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 CEO Ese Oguma praised both athletes for supporting the competition, stressing that their contributions would provide incentives for participants and promote greater recognition for field events.

The Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos. The competition will celebrate a decade of developing athletics 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 their registration through A3 Tickets.