The FSO Athletics Challenge, powered by the Femi Seun Ogunode Foundation, is set to take center stage on October 11, 2024, at the prestigious MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abuja. This highly anticipated event is designed to bring together some of Nigeria’s finest track and field athletes to display their talent in a wide array of competitive events. Featured races include the 100m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m, alongside the long jump and exciting school relay races for boys and girls. The competition is open to both male and female athletes, with each category tailored to highlight the best of what these competitors have to offer.
Adding to the excitement is the generous cash prize structure, with top performers in each event standing the chance to win up to ₦50,000 for first place. Cash rewards will also be given to those finishing in the top five, with amounts ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦5,000. The school relay races, designed to nurture the next generation of athletes, offer prizes of ₦30,000 for the winning team, with cash rewards extending to second and third place. With this financial motivation, the stakes are high, and athletes are expected to give their all in pursuit of both victory and the accompanying rewards. The event, recognized by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and World Athletics, is not just a race but a platform for athletes to showcase their competitive spirit and strive for greatness.
At the heart of this grand event is Femi Ogunode, a Nigerian born athlete who now represents Qatar on the global stage. As one of the most successful Qatari athletes in history, Ogunode’s personal journey from Nigeria to international stardom serves as a major inspiration behind the FSO Athletics Challenge. Having started as a homebased athlete himself, Ogunode understands the crucial need for consistent competitive platforms where athletes can express their skills and improve. Through the Femi Seun Ogunode Foundation, he is committed to supporting the development of athletics in Nigeria, offering both financial and moral encouragement to young, ambitious athletes eager to make their mark in the sport.
What makes the FSO Athletics Challenge even more special is the personal involvement of Ogunode, who will be present at the event to cheer on and motivate the participants. Beyond the cash prizes, he aims to inspire these young athletes to aim higher, emphasizing that with dedication and hard work, the sky is not the limit but merely a stepping stone. His direct engagement with these competitors is a prove to his belief in the power of mentorship, providing them with both the resources and guidance needed to succeed on and off the track. This initiative not only elevates the profile of the competition but also fosters a deeper sense of connection between Ogunode and the upcoming generation of athletes.
Looking forward, the FSO Athletics Challenge is set to become an annual event, with this year’s edition serving as a stepping stone for bigger plans in the future. Ogunode envisions the meet growing into a major international event, attracting athletes from around the globe. Such growth would create invaluable opportunities for homebased athletes, exposing them to a higher level of competition and fostering their development. With big names already showing interest in the competition and preparations in full swing, the FSO Athletics Challenge is poised to set the pace for a new era in Nigerian athletics, one that champions excellence, opportunity, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.
