Ogazi becomes first Nigerian in 16 years to qualify for Olympics 400m semifinal

African U18 200m and 400m champion, Samuel Ogazi has made history as the first Nigerian since 2008 when the duo of Saul Saul Weigopwa and Godday James ran in the semifinals of the event in Beijing, China.

Ogazi, only 18, ran a new 44.50 lifetime to seal his place in the semifinals on his debut at the Olympic Games.

The other Nigerian in the event, Chidi Okezie came in fourth in his opening round heat (45.52) to miss out on one of the three automatic tickets on offer in his heat.

The 30 year old will however have another chance of picking a semifinal ticket in the Repechage Round round on Monday morning.

Ogazi will now be aiming to become the first Nigerian in 28 years to run in the final of the event.

Innocent Egbunike was the last Nigerian to run in the final of the event at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.