Nigerian international quarter-miler Edidiong Udo has pledged his support for the men’s and women’s 800m at the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet, scheduled for November 7, 2026, at the Yabatech Sports Complex in Lagos, Nigeria.
In recognition of his contribution and his connection to the 800m, where he began his athletics career before transitioning to the 400m, the men’s and women’s 800m events at the meet will be named the “Edidiong Udo Men’s 800m” and “Edidiong Udo Women’s 800m.”
Udo, a student-athlete at The Ohio State University, will support the top four finishers in both the men’s and women’s 800m while also introducing an instant ₦200,000 cash bonus for athletes who meet the specified performance marks.
The special bonus will be awarded in addition to the event’s regular winning prize, with ₦200,000 going to any woman who runs under 2:07 and any man who runs under 1:51.
Originally an 800m runner, Udo later transitioned to the 400m after determining that the event better suited his strengths. He went on to win the Nigerian Championships over 400m in 2022 before earning an athletic scholarship to The Ohio State University.
Udo enjoyed a standout 2026 season, recording a personal best of 44.91 seconds at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships and becoming the second Nigerian to run under 45 seconds in the event this season.
He also made his first appearance for Team Nigeria at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, reaching the individual 400m final and finishing eighth overall. He also helped Nigeria secure a bronze medal in the mixed 4x400m relay.
Speaking about his decision to support the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet, Udo said the gesture is his way of giving back to a platform that has consistently supported and showcased Nigerian and African athletes.
“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 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.”
Udo also praised Athletic Heat CEO Ese Oguma for his commitment to documenting and promoting athletes across Nigeria and Africa.
“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.”
For Udo, the decision to support the 800m also carries a personal connection, having started his own athletics journey as an 800m runner before transitioning to the 400m.
“I used to run the 800m, so supporting the event means a lot to me. I want to see athletes keep training, competing and putting themselves in a position to earn something for themselves.”
The special ₦200,000 performance bonus is designed to add another incentive for athletes competing in the 800m, with Udo encouraging athletes to come prepared and take advantage of the opportunity.
“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.”
Ese Oguma, CEO of Athletic Heat, expressed his appreciation to Udo for supporting the anniversary meet and contributing to the growing opportunities available to athletes.
“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.
The Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet will bring together athletes from across Nigeria and beyond for a major celebration of competition, community and a decade of Athletic Heat’s commitment to athletics.
