Go Faster, Win ₦200,000: Udo Challenges 800m Runners as Athletic Heat Marks 10th Anniversary
Former 800m runner backs men’s and women’s races at landmark anniversary meet
Athletes competing in the 800m at the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet will have an additional incentive to push for personal bests, with Nigerian international Edidiong Udo putting ₦200,000 performance bonuses on the line.
The special reward will be available in both the men’s and women’s 800m races at the anniversary meet scheduled for November 7 at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Sports Complex, Lagos.
Udo has pledged his support to both events, which will be known as the Edidiong Udo Men’s 800m and Edidiong Udo Women’s 800m.
Under the 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 the regular prize money attached to the race.
The initiative carries a personal significance for Udo, who began his athletics career as an 800m runner before switching to the 400m.
He became Nigerian 400m champion in 2022 before earning a scholarship to The Ohio State University, where he has continued to develop his career on the international stage.
His 2026 season brought another significant breakthrough when he lowered his 400m personal best to 44.91 seconds at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships, becoming the second Nigerian to break 45 seconds in the event this season.
Udo subsequently made his Team Nigeria debut at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, reaching the 400m final and finishing eighth before helping Nigeria secure bronze in the mixed 4x400m relay.
Despite his success in the 400m, Udo’s early connection with the 800m remains central to his decision to support the event.
“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 also praised Athletic Heat for its continued efforts to promote Nigerian and African 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.”
Udo said Athletic Heat’s decade-long contribution to athletics made its 10th anniversary an occasion he wanted to support.
“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.”
He also commended Oguma for providing a platform that has helped bring greater visibility to athletes.
“Ese Oguma has used his platform to showcase Nigerian athletes and African athletes at large. That is something I really appreciate, and I wanted to contribute to what they are building.”
Oguma described Udo’s intervention as particularly meaningful because of the athlete’s own journey from the 800m to the elite 400m level.
“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,” Oguma said.
With ₦200,000 available to every athlete who hits the required standard, Udo hopes the incentive will encourage competitors to attack the qualifying marks.
“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.”
The Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet will celebrate a decade of the platform’s involvement in athletics and its efforts to promote and provide exposure for athletes across Nigeria and Africa.
