Nigerian sprinter Chidi Okezie secured a place in the men’s 200m final at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana, competing against some of the continent’s top sprint talents in a highly competitive showdown.
Although Okezie finished sixth in the final, the Nigerian remained positive and focused on his long-term goals while preparing to return to action for Team Nigeria in the men’s 4x400m relay event.
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The men’s 200m title was won by Ivory Coast’s Cheickna Traore, who stormed to gold in 20.32 seconds to secure his second gold medal of the championships.
Traore had earlier played a decisive role in Ivory Coast’s triumph in the men’s 4x100m relay, anchoring his country to victory before adding the individual 200m crown to complete an impressive sprint double in Accra.
Botswana’s Phaezel Prince Selepe claimed silver in 20.43 seconds, while South Africa’s Mihlali Xotyeni secured bronze after clocking 20.57 seconds.
Despite missing out on the medals, Okezie remained determined and optimistic while speaking about his commitment to national duty and his personal ambitions in athletics.
“One thing that keeps me going is the expectations I have for myself and the goals I’ve set,” Okezie said after the race.
The Nigerian also highlighted the technical demands of the 200m event, stressing the importance of concentration and speed execution at elite level competition.
“It’s technical in the 200m, more speed, more focus on the final,” he explained.
Okezie further revealed that discipline, consistency in training, and faith continue to motivate him throughout his athletics journey.
“I keep focus, training hard, not just watch. I know what I am here for. God has a purpose for me and one day I will achieve all what I have in plan.”
The experienced sprinter also offered words of encouragement to younger athletes coming through the ranks, urging them to trust their coaches and remain confident in their abilities.
“For the young athletes, I always advise them to keep to what the coach says in training and believe they can.”
As the championship ends in Ghana, Nigeria finished fourth on the overall medal table behind South Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia with four golf, five silver and three bronze medals.
