By our reporter 14.9.2025
Nigeria’s quarter-miler Samuel Ogazi said he was forced to run in the heats of the World Athletics Championships 400m event despite not wanting to do so because of ill health.
Ogazi failed to advance from the heats of the men’s 400m after posting 45.97secs.
Speaking to journalists at the mixed zone, Ogazi whose season best is 44.43secs and could have reached the final said it was his plan to sit out the event due to health challenges, but was told to get into the tracks by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria officials.
“I told team Nigeria officials, I wasn’t prepared for this race because my hamstring is bothering me. They insisted that go and give it a try and that’s the outcome.
“I don’t run with injuries, everybody knows I don’t run with injuries. I told the doctor I am not prepared for this, but they insisted.
“I was willing to sit out, during warm up I told the doctor, I’m ready not feeling healthy and strong, two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with Covid.”
Nigeria’s other entry for the race Chidi Okezie did not also advance after running 45.66.
Samuel Ogazi reacts after competing in the men's 400m.