African Games gold medalist Chidi Okezie has revealed his ambition to surpass Nigeria’s enduring 400m record, as his 2025 season continues to impress.
At the recent AFN National Trials held at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, the 31-year-old athlete displayed his versatility by capturing his first national 200m title, clocking a new personal record of 20.62 seconds.
Building on a strong start to the season, Okezie has now turned his attention to the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan. The Hampton University alumnus and two-time bronze medalist at the African Championships is setting bold goals — aiming to not just reach the final but also etch his name in Nigerian track history.
“When I get to Tokyo, whether it’s my individual event or in the relays, I will give it my all. My main goal is to break the national record and return home with a medal. That’s the plan and my mission.”
His confidence comes on the back of several strong showings this year. One standout performance was at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi, where he ran a scorching 44.98 seconds in the 400m — his fastest time this season — securing second place in a field of Africa’s top runners. The event, staged at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, served as an ideal tune-up ahead of the global stage.
As the Tokyo World Championships approach, Okezie — who has proudly represented Nigeria for over a decade — hopes to break the national 400m record of 44.17 seconds, a milestone set by Innocent Egbunike in 1987, and return with a medal to mark a defining moment in his career.
