Nigeria’s leading discus thrower Ebubechukwu Vincent Ugwoke has taken a major step towards supporting grassroots athletics by sponsoring the men’s discus throw event at the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet with a prize purse of ₦575,000.
The meet will hold on November 7, 2026, at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos, with the sponsorship expected to provide additional motivation for athletes competing in the field event.
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.
Beyond his achievements on the field, the University of Southern California (USC) athlete is now using his platform to encourage greater private-sector and individual involvement in the development of athletics in Nigeria.
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.
Ugwoke’s intervention highlights the potential for athletes and private individuals to contribute to the growth of Nigerian sports by supporting competitions and creating incentives for emerging talents.
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.
Ugwoke has encouraged prospective competitors to take advantage of the opportunity, wishing all participants success and urging them to deliver their best performances.
Registration remains open on A3tickets.com, with interested athletes required to register before the October 24, 2026 deadline.
SIGNED
Maxwell Kumoye
Chairman Media Committee,
Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN)
18/10/2026
