After Samuel Ogazi smashed his long-standing national 400-meter record, former Nigerian quarter-miler Innocent Egbunike has backed the young athlete to reach even bigger achievements, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
Ogazi ended a 38-year reign by surpassing Egbunike’s record of 44.17 seconds, which had stood since it was set in Zurich in August 1987, with a time of 44.02 seconds.
In response to the news on Facebook, Egbunike greeted the new record holder and considered the long-lasting heritage of Nigerian athletics, pointing out that his own accomplishments were based on the contributions of earlier greats while opening doors for the following generation.
Egbunike wrote, “Congratulations, Ogazi.”
“I am thrilled to join the Nigerian and international sports community in congratulating Samuel Ogazi on breaking my 400-meter record.”
“I’m grateful to God for enabling me to stand on the shoulders of people who came before me, like Dele Udo and Sunday Uti (who held the national record), as well as my teammates, like Rotimi Peters and Moses Ugbusien, and those who came after us, like late Sunday Bada and Clement Chukwu, to name a few.
The former African champion also gave Ogazi advice on how to deal with his newfound reputation as Nigeria’s fastest 400-meter runner, advising him to embrace the responsibility that comes with his accomplishment while being grounded.
“May God continue to lead and bless you. Be a blessing to everyone around you and maintain your humility. You now have the duty to set an example as Nigeria’s new 400-meter representative,” he continued.
“Remain self-assured but modest, and use your gift to worship and honor God. Keep in touch with people who knew you before you rose to prominence, remain dedicated to your studies because knowledge is power, walk with integrity, and use your skills to encourage others.
“I hope all of your future endeavors continue to be successful, Samuel. Shalom and God bless you! Egbunike, who won silver in the 400 meters in Rome in 1987 and bronze in the 4×400 meters relay at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, continues to be one of Nigeria’s most decorated quarter-milers.
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