Nigeria’s teenage sprint sensation, Samuel Ogazi, has blamed national team officials for forcing him to compete while injured after crashing out in the first round of the men’s 400m at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Making his World Championships debut, the 19-year-old University of Alabama quarter-miler clocked 45.97s to finish fifth in heat three, well outside his personal best of 44.41s. The race was won by American Jacory Patterson in 43.90s, ahead of Jamaica’s Rusheen McDonald (44.38s) and Italy’s Edoardo Scotti (44.45s).
Ogazi, the reigning NCAA champion, revealed that he had informed officials of a hamstring injury but was still compelled to run.
I told Team Nigeria officials I wasn’t prepared for this race because my hamstring was bothering me, but they still insisted that I should go run. I did what I could, and that’s the outcome,” he told journalists.
The youngster explained that he felt fit earlier in the week but suffered a setback during a light training session in Tokyo. He said he even requested to withdraw on race day but was overruled.
I was very much willing to sit out. During the warm-up, I spoke with the doctor. I told him, ‘I’m not ready.’ I know I’m not feeling healthy and strong yet. Right now I’m not healthy and strong,” Ogazi added.
He also disclosed that his condition may have been worsened by a recent COVID-19 diagnosis.
Despite the disappointment, Ogazi reflected positively on his season, which saw him win the NCAA title in 44.43s and secure a bronze medal at the African Championships in Douala.
“For me, the main goal was to win the NCAA, and I got that done. I would say my season was impressive and superb,” he said.
For Nigeria, however, the men’s 400m proved a missed opportunity, as compatriot Chidi Okezie also failed to progress, finishing seventh in his heat in 45.66s to rank 39th overall.
