Enekwechi Commits ₦950,000 to Reward Shot Put Athletes at Athletic Heat Anniversary
Oru Leonard
Nigeria’s leading shot put athlete, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, has committed ₦950,000 in prize money to the men’s shot put event at the 10th anniversary edition of the Athletic Heat Meet, in a move aimed at encouraging emerging talents and strengthening the development of field events in Nigeria.
The competition, scheduled for November 7, 2026, at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos, will reward the top four finishers in the men’s shot put, providing athletes with an additional incentive to showcase their abilities.
A press release signed by the Chairman, Media Committee Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), on Saturday,October 17, 2026, disclosed that under the prize arrangement, the winner will receive ₦400,000, while the second-place finisher will earn ₦300,000. The third-place athlete will take home ₦150,000, and the fourth-place finisher will receive ₦100,000.
Enekwechi, a two-time Olympian, African champion and African record holder, said his decision to sponsor the competition was motivated by his desire to give back to the sport and create opportunities for younger athletes seeking recognition and advancement.
The Nigerian international explained that supporting upcoming competitors was one way to contribute to the growth of athletics and inspire the next generation.
“I love my people, I love my sport, and I love my country. I just feel that, given my position, it’s a great opportunity to give back to young people, and hopefully, it inspires young talent that hasn’t had a chance. If I can help and called to the sport, then I’m glad to do so,” Enekwechi said.
Athletic Heat Welcomes Landmark Sponsorship
Chief Executive Officer of Athletic Heat, Ese Oguma, welcomed the sponsorship, describing it as a significant contribution to the development of field events and the welfare of participating athletes.
Oguma said he was excited by Enekwechi’s decision to commit almost ₦1 million to the competition, particularly the ₦400,000 prize allocated to the eventual winner.
“I was elated when Chukwuebuka said he will support with almost a million naira in cash prize, with first prize going home with 400k naira. This has never happened in the history of Nigerian athletes, and I’m happy this meet is able to give field athletes that opportunity to smile to the bank,” he said.
He also commended Enekwechi for using his standing in Nigerian and international athletics to support younger competitors beyond his achievements in the sport.
“Chukwuebuka has been a face when it comes to the men’s throws, and it’s amazing to see what he is doing to support the next generation,” Oguma added.
The sponsorship highlights the potential role of established athletes in supporting grassroots competitions, particularly in field events that often receive less public attention than track races.
By attaching substantial financial rewards to the men’s shot put event, the initiative is expected to provide participating athletes with additional motivation while drawing attention to the need for sustained investment in Nigeria’s throwing disciplines.
Athletics stakeholders have continued to emphasise the importance of creating competitive opportunities, improving athlete support and encouraging private-sector participation in the development of sports.
Enekwechi’s contribution represents an example of how accomplished athletes can use their experience and resources to encourage emerging talents and contribute to the future of their discipline.
The Nigerian shot put star has also urged interested athletes to register for the competition through A3Tickets and wished all participants success at the anniversary meet.
The Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos. Registration closes on October 24, 2026.
With ₦950,000 allocated to the men’s shot put event alone, the competition will offer athletes an opportunity to compete for significant prize money while showcasing their abilities at a major anniversary gathering.
