Nigerian shot putter and NCAA All-American, Ugwu Emeka, has announced his sponsorship of the Men’s Hammer Throw at the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet, with the event officially named the “Ugwu Emeka Hammer Throw.”
Competing for the University of Pittsburgh’s Pitt Panthers, Emeka has established himself as a leading collegiate thrower, setting a school record in the shot put and qualifying for the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships. In 2026, he recorded personal bests of 18.80m in the shot put and 49.24m in the discus. He also finished second in the shot put at the ACC Outdoor Track and Field Championships with 18.60m before competing at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
The sponsorship will see the top four athletes receive cash prizes as follows:
• 1st Place: ₦100,000
• 2nd Place: ₦50,000
• 3rd Place: ₦30,000
• 4th Place: ₦20,000
Total Prize Money: ₦200,000.
Emeka’s sponsorship reflects his commitment to giving back to Nigeria’s throws community, providing financial incentives for athletes while encouraging the development of young talents across the country.
The Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos State, Nigeria. The meet will bring together athletes for a celebration of competition, talent, and the continued growth of track and field.
Announcing his support, Emeka expressed excitement about contributing to the anniversary celebration, describing his sponsorship as an opportunity to give back to the throws community and support the next generation of Nigerian athletes.
“I’m excited to announce that the Men’s Hammer Throw at the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet will be named the Ugwu Emeka Hammer Throw, with the top four athletes going home with cash prizes.
“Supporting this event is my way of giving back to the throws community in Nigeria and supporting young athletes. I believe in creating opportunities for athletes to compete, develop their talents, and experience the rewards of their hard work.
“I also want to congratulate Athletic Heat on its 10th anniversary and thank the organisation for the positive impact it has made, not only in Nigeria but across Africa. Your contribution to African track and field over the years is truly remarkable,” Emeka said.
The sponsorship adds to the growing support for the Athletic Heat anniversary meet, highlighting the importance of investing in field events and creating more opportunities for athletes in Nigeria’s throwing disciplines.
Athletic Heat continues to bring together athletes, sponsors, and supporters who share a vision of developing Nigerian athletics and providing a platform for emerging talents to showcase their abilities.
Reacting to the announcement, Athletic Heat CEO, Ese Oguma, expressed appreciation to Emeka for his support and commitment to athletics development.
“We sincerely appreciate Ugwu Emeka for supporting the Men’s Hammer Throw at our 10th Anniversary Meet. His decision to give back to the throws community and invest in young athletes reflects the spirit of what Athletic Heat represents.
“Field events deserve greater support and visibility, and contributions like this help create meaningful opportunities for athletes to compete and earn rewards for their efforts. We are grateful to Emeka for being part of this milestone and for helping us make the anniversary celebration even more impactful,” Oguma said.
Emeka also encouraged athletes who have yet to register to take advantage of the opportunity to compete for the available cash prizes.
“If you haven’t registered yet, come on, guys! Don’t miss out on the cash prizes. Head over to A3 Tickets and register now. Good luck, champs! I can’t wait to see what you all have to offer in Lagos,” he added.
With the Men’s Hammer Throw now carrying the name Ugwu Emeka Hammer Throw and ₦200,000 in total prize money available to the top four finishers, the sponsorship represents another step towards recognising Nigeria’s throwing events and inspiring young athletes to pursue excellence.
