Chidi Okezie, the reigning African Games champion, has set his sights on a monumental achievement: breaking Nigeria’s long-standing 400m national record. Currently 31 years old, Okezie has been displaying remarkable form throughout the 2025 season, culminating in a personal best of 20.62s in the 200m at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria National Trials, securing his first national title in the event. This victory serves as a powerful springboard for Okezie as he prepares for the upcoming 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where he aims not only to reach the final but also to rewrite Nigerian athletic history.
Okezie’s ambitious goal is fueled by his unwavering belief in his capabilities and a string of impressive performances this season. His recent triumph at the national trials underscores his versatility and burgeoning speed. Moreover, his season’s best of 44.98s in the 400m at the prestigious Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi further solidifies his position as a leading contender on the world stage. This performance, achieved against a backdrop of Africa’s premier athletes, serves as a testament to his readiness to challenge the established order and chase his ambitious target.
The national record of 44.17s, set by the legendary Innocent Egbunike in 1987, has stood as a benchmark for Nigerian quarter-milers for decades. Okezie, however, views this long-standing record not as an insurmountable barrier but as a challenge ripe for conquest. His remarkable progress throughout the 2025 season, combined with his unwavering self-belief, paints a picture of an athlete primed to etch his name into the annals of Nigerian athletics.
Okezie’s journey to this point has been marked by dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Having graced the national scene for a decade, the American-born sprinter has steadily honed his craft, transforming himself into a force to be reckoned with on the track. His unwavering focus on breaking the national record is not merely a personal ambition but a testament to his dedication to elevating Nigerian athletics to new heights.
As the world’s finest athletes converge on Tokyo for the 2025 World Athletics Championships, all eyes will be on Okezie as he embarks on his quest for glory. His ambition to break the national record and return home with a medal is a testament to his unwavering commitment to achieving greatness. Whether competing in his individual event or as part of the relay team, Okezie is determined to leave an indelible mark on the global stage.
Okezie’s journey embodies the spirit of athletic pursuit – the relentless drive to push boundaries, surpass expectations, and etch one’s name in history. His determination to break the national record serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, a testament to the power of unwavering belief and tireless dedication. As he takes to the track in Tokyo, he carries the hopes and aspirations of a nation, poised to make history and cement his legacy as one of Nigeria’s greatest athletes.
