Samuel Ogazi has made history as the first Nigerian athlete in 36 years to qualify for the 400m final at the Olympic Games. Following in the footsteps of the legendary Innocent Egbunike, Ogazi ran a personal best of 44.41 seconds to secure third place in Heat 3 of the 400m semifinals.
Great Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith claimed victory with a time of 44.07 seconds, followed by Michael Norman of the USA, who took the second automatic spot with a time of 44.26 seconds.
In the upcoming final, Ogazi will be running in lane 3, aiming to close the gap on Michael Norman, who will be in lane 4. Another African contender, Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga, will compete from lane 7.