African Games men’s 400m champion Chidi Anthony Okezie has told fans to expect fast times at the sixth edition of the Absa Kip Keino Classic set for Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Saturday.
The 31-year-old Nigerian has pledged to destroy the men’s 400m field, which includes World Indoor 4x400m relay champion Brian Faust of USA, in the looming Kip Keino Classic showdown where he is out to make his debut in style.
“Expect a very fast race, a very competitive outing, I’m putting everything on the line for this,” Okezie declared when he landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi on Monday night.
The 6’7 foot sprinter said he has no opponents in that contest. Only him and the timer.
“I fear nobody. The clock is my biggest competitor. I don’t focus on anyone else,” he said.
“Whenever I’m on track, I’m the best athlete on that field. The contest is always me and the time,” he said.
Even though it’s his first time in Kenya, Okezie, who was born and raised in the USA by a Jamaican mother and a Nigerian father, says it’s always a blessing to compete in Africa.
“Being a Nigerian who lives in the USA, to compete in Africa is always special, like my last race was at the FNB Botswana Grand Prix. It was very special to me.
“So, competing in Kenya at the Kip Keino Classic is even going to be more special and personal,” he said.
And why did the Olympian choose Nigeria over powerhouse USA for his racing career?
“I like the rich history and culture of Nigeria, I like the Nigerian sprint legend Chidi Okezie whom I’m named after. He is my icon, my mentor. I’m out to put my name in the same annals of history where his name has been penned.”
So far, Okezie is happy with the way the new season is unfolding for him. He has done two races, opening the year on 44.01 and clocking 45.15 for a fourth place finish at the Botswana Grand Prix.
“I have just started, the season is going pretty well. I expect to improve those times during the weekend meet in Nairobi,” he said.
The lanky speed ace definitely has plans for a holiday in Kenya but he insists the job must be done first!
“The game plan is to come here, run very fast and win. Then we explore Safari. Kenya is a very beautiful country and rich in culture so definitely, I would like to see some zebras, elephants, giraffes and lions before I go back to America,” he said.
The Olympian has also hailed Kenya for making great strides in sprints, commending the country for a good show at the just-concluded World Relays Championship in Guangzhou, China.
“Africa is soon becoming a powerhouse in sprints. South Africa took a chunk of the medals home from the World Relays, Botswana and Kenya did great things to qualify for the World Championships and Nigeria too is making great moves in the category.
“So, I definitely feel Africa is making an impact in track and field. As a continent, we should continue to keep the spirit alive. Someone running in Africa and for Africa will always continue to inspire me to do better and that’s why I will continue to run for Nigeria the rest of my life.”
Okezie, who is a staunch Real Madrid fan has plans to defend his African Games title and his other wild dream is to lower the world record, and nestle Olympics and World championships golds comfortably in his cabinet.
Ochieng Oyugi
| May 28, 2025