Nigerian long jumper, African U20 Champion, two-time National Champion and Big Ten Champion, Charles Godfred, has announced his sponsorship of the Men’s Long Jump event at the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet, with ₦500,000 in cash prizes available for the top eight athletes.
Godfred has enjoyed an outstanding collegiate career at the University of Minnesota, finishing sixth at the 2024 NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships with a jump of 7.90 metres and fourth in 2025, the highest finish in the event in the university’s programme history. He also won three consecutive Big Ten Conference long jump titles from 2024 to 2026. His personal best of 8.16 metres came at the 2024 Nigerian Olympic Trials, where he secured victory.
Godfred’s sponsorship marks another significant show of support for the development of athletics in Nigeria, as Athletic Heat celebrates a decade of creating opportunities, building champions and elevating track and field across the country.
In his anniversary message, the accomplished long jumper congratulated Athletic Heat on reaching the milestone, commending the organisation for its consistency, vision and continued commitment to providing a platform for athletes to showcase their talents.
“A very big congratulations to Athletic Heat on 10 remarkable years of creating opportunities, building champions and elevating track and field in Nigeria. Your consistency, vision and the platform you continue to provide for athletes are truly remarkable. I am proud to be part of this celebration,” Godfred said.
Explaining his decision to sponsor the Men’s Long Jump, Godfred described the event as one that has played a defining role in his life, giving him purpose and opening doors he never imagined possible.
“I am excited to announce that I will be sponsoring the Men’s Long Jump at the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet, with the top eight athletes going home with cash prizes.
“I am supporting the event because the long jump changed my life. It is the event that gave me purpose and opened doors I never imagined possible. Through it, I learnt the value of hard work, discipline and belief. I want the next generation of athletes to experience that same fire and discover the opportunities that athletics can create,” he added.
His sponsorship is a meaningful contribution to the anniversary celebration, providing financial incentives for athletes competing in the discipline while reinforcing the importance of investing in the next generation of Nigerian talent.
Athletic Heat CEO Ese Oguma expressed his appreciation to Godfred for supporting the event and contributing to the development of young athletes.
“We are sincerely grateful to Charles Godfred for this wonderful gesture and for choosing to support the Men’s Long Jump at our 10th Anniversary Meet. His story reflects the opportunities athletics can create, and his decision to give back to the same event that has played such an important role in his journey makes this sponsorship even more meaningful.
“At Athletic Heat, we believe in creating platforms where athletes can develop, compete and earn recognition for their hard work. Support from athletes who understand the value of these opportunities is important to the future of our sport. We appreciate Charles for being part of this milestone and helping us continue our mission of building champions and elevating track and field in Nigeria,” Oguma said.
The Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet, scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos, will bring athletes together for a celebration of competition, talent and the continued growth of track and field.
The meet is also part of the build-up to the National Sports Festival, providing athletes with an opportunity to compete and showcase their abilities.
Godfred encouraged athletes who have yet to register to complete their registration through A3 Tickets and urged competitors to give their best at the meet.
“If you haven’t registered yet, head over to A3 Tickets and secure your place. I wish everyone competing the very best of luck, and I can’t wait to see what you all have to offer in Lagos,” he said.
His support further strengthens the spirit of the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet, bringing together accomplished athletes and supporters who share a commitment to creating opportunities and ensuring that the next generation has a platform to thrive.