Edidiong Okon-Udo targets Commonwealth, Olympic Golds for Nigeria 

Edidiong Okon-Udo targets Commonwealth, Olympic Golds for Nigeria 

Akwa Ibom born American based athlete Edidiong Okon Udoh says his target on the track in the next three years is to win gold medals for Nigeria at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow , Scotland and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, United States of America.

Edidiong shared his ambitions when he and his coaches Daniel Umoette, Janet Bassey alongside the Director of coaching in the Ministry of Sports, Mrs Catherine Ewa paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey in his office in Uyo.

Currently ranked by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria as the fourth-fastest Nigerian in both the 400m and 800m, Edidiong secured the national 400m title in 2022.

Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey and Edidiong Okon Udoh

“Sir, I’m here to say thank you and also to congratulate you on your appointment as the Honourable Commissioner for Sports in our dear state. I’m appreciating you because you are part of my success story.

“I was discovered during the 2013 edition of the Mobil Track and Field championship in Eket and after that event you told me that I have a bright future and that in years to come I will conquer the world. Sir, today I have represented Akwa Ibom State in three national sports festivals and won medals. I have also represented Nigeria in many championships and I’m currently enjoying a foreign scholarship all because of your encouragement and motivation.

“Sir, I want to reassure you that my flame is still burning for more successes and my target in the next three years is to reposition myself and work hard so I will be able to win Gold medals for Nigeria in next year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2028 Olympics games in Los Angeles.

“I’m particularly grateful to God that you are now the Honourable Commissioner for Sports in this state and I trust that you will drive sports development in this state and create more opportunities for self discovery for our youth,” he stated.

In his response, the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey commended the athlete for his gesture, congratulated him on his exploits and encouraged him to keep working hard to achieve his dreams.

“Thank you Edidiong for not forgetting your roots and how you started. It’s a thing of immense joy and happiness for me to see you achieve all these since bursting into prominence at the Mobil Track and Field championship a few years ago.

“It’s my wish to see you conquer the world in years to come and I encourage you to be more committed, dedicated and focused on the target you have set for yourself and by the grace of God, you will achieve all your dreams and be a role model to many kids in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria at large”.

Edidiong, a former student of Federal Government College Ikot Ekpene, was discovered during the 2013 edition of the Mobil Track and Field championship while representing his school at the event in Eket in which he won silver medal in 800 meters.

Since relocating to Ohio State University on an academic scholarship in 2024, he has posted impressive performances: a personal best of 45.19 seconds in the 400m, and medals in the Big Ten conference – gold in the 4x400m relay and bronze in the individual 400m.

Edidiong, a native of Ikono local government area had in the 2021 National Sports Festival in Edo State won Gold medal for team Akwa Ibom in 800 meters after winning silver medal at the 2018 National Sports Festival in Abuja in the same event.

Edidiong Okon-Udo is not simply chasing personal milestones—he is pursuing gold for Nigeria, fueled by early mentorship, national pride, and unwavering ambition. His journey, affirmed by recent performances and his mental resilience, positions him as one of the country’s brightest prospects in athletics.