Former 400m national record holder,Innocent Egbunike has paid glowing tribute to Samuel Ogazi, who broke his 39 year record of 44.17s set at the World Championship in Zurich in 1987.
On Saturday,May 2 in Torin Lawrence Memorial in Athens Ogazi erased the old mark with a time of 44.02 seconds to break his long-standing Nigerian 400m record,setting in the process a world leading time as well as a personal best time.
VDCInsights reports that Egbunike was one of Nigeria’s most celebrated quarter-milers of all time after moving from the sprints to the quartermile.
Egbunike wrote on his verified Facebook page ‘Congratulations Ogazi. 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,’.
Reflecting on the legacy of Nigerian athletics he said ‘I’m thankful to God for allowing me to stand on the shoulders of those before me, like Dele Udo, Sunday Uti (who had the national record before me), as well as my teammates like Moses Ugbusien and Rotimi Peters, and those who came after us, such as late Sunday Bada and Clement Chukwu, to mention a few.
Egbunike added ‘I appreciate God’s blessing in paving the way for others, having held the record for 39 years. Records are made to be broken, and I sincerely congratulate Samuel on this incredible achievement. Well done, young man!’
Egbunike, fondly called Ejima, urged Ogazi to remain humble in his new role as Nigeria’s 400m record holder.
He advised Ogazi ‘I pray that God continues to guide and bless you. Stay humble and be a blessing to everyone around you. As the new face of Nigeria in the 400 meters, you now have the responsibility to lead by example.
The former national record holder implored the new holder to remain humble and focused as the new face of 400m in Nigeria.
‘Stay confident but humble, and use your talent to honor and worship God. Remember to keep close to those who knew you before your rise, stay committed to your education (for knowledge is power), walk with integrity, and inspire others through your abilities.
He concluded ‘Samuel, I wish you continued success in all your future pursuits. God bless you and shalom!’
Egbunike won Nigeria’s first track medal at the World Championships when he claimed silver in the 400m in Rome in 1987.
He was also part of the 4x400m relay team that won bronze at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
