Prince Kennedy Nwamkpa has shot into reckoning as the first Nigerian to be listed for the prestigious Arnold Schwarzenegger Classics scheduled for March, 2009 and the Mr. Universe Championship which also comes up next in October, next year.

Nwamkpa got his invitation after dazzling all in the United States where he finished in the 8th position out of 60 lifters. His lifts were exceptional considering the rigours and obstacles he surmounted before mounting the podium. Nwamkpa, according to his Manager Hyacinth Udemba, had entered to compete in a lesser weight category but did not meet up because of hiccups he encountered on his way.

He had to beg to be included in the 82 kg class which was not his original weight. "Like a bolt out from the blues, Prince Kennedy became the cynosure of all eyes where he did tremendously well and got the invitation which we consider a victory for Africa", Udemba excitedly said.

He however noted that Nwamkpa went through the skin of the teeth as he prepared with good facilities before he achieved this life time invitation. "There is always this undying spirit in Nigerians. He did well with nothing and I know that if Nigerians rally around him and he is exposed to modern facilities, Nigeria's name would definitely be carved in gold", Udemba added.