Umerah Backs Nigerian Women’s Hammer Throwers With ₦500,000 Initiative

Posted : 22 October 2026

Nigerian international hammer thrower Kosi Umerah is combining financial incentives with technical mentorship to strengthen women’s hammer throw in Nigeria, committing ₦500,000 to the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet.

The initiative, which targets female competitors at the November 7 event at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos, reflects Umerah’s determination to improve opportunities for athletes in a discipline she believes deserves greater recognition.

Under the prize structure, the winner will receive ₦200,000, while the second-placed athlete will earn ₦150,000. Third and fourth positions will attract ₦100,000 and ₦50,000, respectively.

Beyond the financial rewards, Umerah plans to provide individual video analysis for every female athlete registered for the competition.

The Texas State University master’s student-athlete will use Instagram direct messages to assess throwing mechanics, recommend training drills, and offer technical feedback to help competitors improve their performances.

Monthly sessions are also planned, with additional support for athletes requiring more detailed technical assistance.

Umerah, whose personal best of 65.71 metres ranks her fourth on Nigeria’s all-time women’s hammer throw list, said her intervention was motivated by the limited attention given to the discipline despite the dedication required to excel in it.

“I’m supporting this meet because I truly believe, in my heart and soul, that women’s hammer throw does not get the love it deserves, especially considering how much time and dedication we put into mastering this craft,” she said.

Women’s hammer throw continues to struggle for visibility on some major international athletics platforms, including the Diamond League and the recent World Athletics Ultimate Championship, reinforcing concerns about the discipline’s exposure.

Umerah believes that combining financial support with technical development could help Nigerian athletes improve their standards and create a more sustainable pathway for emerging throwers.

Her ambitions extend beyond the anniversary meet, with plans to establish a throws camp in Nigeria, either through direct organisation or sponsorship.

“My long-term goal with this initiative is to host or sponsor a throws camp in Nigeria. I believe that, with your hard work and support, we can make this happen. Throws need more love,” she said.

She also urged diaspora and foreign-based Nigerian athletes to contribute to sports development at home, stressing the importance of sustaining the systems that support athletes’ growth.

“I’m calling on all diaspora and foreign-based athletes to invest in the country that is central to our identity. A lot of futures have been shaped by wearing the green and white, but beyond that, we also need to sustain the system that gives us the platform to compete.”

Umerah’s intervention highlights how athletes can support grassroots development through financial backing, mentorship, and the sharing of technical expertise.

Encouraging the women preparing for the competition, she said: “To the ladies competing, go throw far, have fun, bring your best and, more importantly, go collect some money!”

The Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet is scheduled for Nov. 7 at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos, with Umerah’s initiative expected to provide competitors with both financial motivation and opportunities for technical improvement.

Umerah Backs Nigerian Women’s Hammer Throwers With ₦500,000 Initiative

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