Samuel Ogazi has broken Nigeria's long-standing 400m national record, clocking 44.02 seconds to surpass Innocent Egbunike's 44.17s mark set in Zurich in August 1987. The record had stood for 38 years before Ogazi's run, which has drawn public recognition from the former champion. Egbunike took to Facebook to congratulate Ogazi, calling the feat "incredible" and expressing gratitude that his record lasted nearly four decades. "Congratulations Ogazi," Egbunike wrote. "It is with great enthusiasm that I join members of the sports family in Nigeria and beyond in congratulating Samuel Ogazi, who just broke my Nigerian 400m record."
He credited predecessors like Dele Udo and Sunday Uti, as well as teammates Moses Ugbusien and Rotimi Peters, for laying the foundation for his own success. Egbunike also mentioned later athletes such as Sunday Bada and Clement Chukwu, acknowledging their roles in sustaining Nigeria's 400m legacy. He described record-breaking as part of sport's natural progression, stating, "Records are made to be broken." In his message, Egbunike urged Ogazi to stay humble, remain close to old mentors, prioritize education, and lead by example. He emphasized integrity and faith, advising, "Stay confident but humble, and use your talent to honor and worship God." Egbunike won silver in the 400m at the 1987 World Championships and Olympic bronze in the 4x400m relay in 1984.
Innocent Egbunike celebrates a record lasting 38 years even as he acknowledges it was just broken by Samuel Ogazi. The same foundation he praises—mentors, teammates, past greats—is rarely replicated in today's underfunded athletics system. Young athletes like Ogazi now carry higher expectations without the same support structures. Success rests on individual effort in a system that barely sustains its stars.
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