By Hosea Parah
Commonwealth Games champion, Nathaniel Ezekiel, has put up a N750,000 prize for the men’s 400m hurdles at the Athletic Heat 10th anniversary meet in Lagos on November 7.
The sum includes a N250,000 bonus for any athlete who runs under 51 seconds, on top of N500,000 set aside for the top eight finishers. The race has been named the Nathaniel Ezekiel 400m Hurdles Showdown.
It will take place at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex as part of activities marking 10 years of Athletic Heat’s work in developing athletics. The meet is running under the theme: ’10 Years of impact. A legacy that keeps running.’
Ezekiel, who is Nigeria’s national record holder in the event, said the bonus would give athletes extra motivation to push their limits. Competitors will now chase two targets: a place among the top eight for a share of the prize pool, and a sub-51-second time for the bonus.
He also praised Athletic Heat for sustaining its commitment to the sport over the past decade. The Commonwealth Games champion urged athletes who had yet to register to do so ahead of the meet, and wished all participants success in their preparations.
Athletic Heat Chief Executive Officer, Ese Oguma, welcomed the support and described it as significant for an event designed to inspire the next generation of athletes.
He said the sub-51-second target would give competitors a clear milestone to chase while adding excitement to the anniversary programme. Oguma thanked Ezekiel for backing the organisation’s vision and creating more opportunities for Nigerian athletes.
Ezekiel is one of several top athletes backing the meet. Shot putter Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, discus thrower Ebubechukwu Vincent Ugwoke, high jumper Temitope Adeshina and sprinter Edidiong Udo have also put up prize money. Registration is on A3Tickets, with a deadline of October 24.
The information was contained in a statement by the Chairman of the Media Committee of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Maxwell Kumoye.