World Athletics Championships: Ogazi alleges AFN forced him to compete while unfit
Paris 2024 Olympics 400m finalist, Samuel Ogazi, has revealed that he was compelled to compete in the men’s 400m event at the ongoing 20th World Athletics Championships by officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, despite being unwell and unfit.
The reigning NCAA 400m champion told reporters after the race that he had informed AFN officials of his condition, which had worsened following a positive COVID-19 test just two weeks prior to the competition.
‘I told officials of the AFN I was not ready to run, that I was not healthy and fit, but they insisted I should go out there and run,’ said the 19-year-old, who holds a personal season’s best of 44.43 seconds.
Ogazi explained that he was prepared to sit out the race, knowing he wasn’t in competitive shape, but eventually gave in to pressure from the Federation.
The former African U18 champion in both the 200m and 400m events added that he felt a strain in his hamstring and knew there was no way he could perform at a high level in such a fiercely competitive field.
His revelation has sparked concern among stakeholders about the professionalism, efficiency, and priorities of those managing the AFN.
Many believe the Federation appears more focused on winning at all costs than safeguarding the health and welfare of the athletes who have brought them recognition.
This incident follows recent criticism from World 100m hurdles record holder, Tobi Amusan, who raised concerns about the poor quality of kits supplied by the Federation.
She claimed that Nigerian athletes were not provided with the full complement of gear like their counterparts from other countries.
In response, the AFN dismissed Amusan’s claims, labeling her a liar and insisting that all athletes were adequately supplied with complete kits.
However, stakeholders faulted the Federation for failing to document or record the distribution process, which could have served as evidence to counter Amusan’s allegations.
