By Samuel Akpan in Paris
It was a super Sunday for Team Nigeria as Samuel Ogazi became the first Nigerian male quarter-miler to qualify for the 400m semifinals in the ongoing Olympics in 24 years.
Ogazi ran a new personal best of 44.50s to book an automatic spot in the semifinals of the men’s 400m, closing in very fast to finish 2nd and earn his place in the semis.
The Nigerian got off the block very slowly but finished very strong, only behind the USA’s Quincy Hall, who won the race in 44.28s.
However, Chidi Okezie finished 4th in heat 1 of the men’s 400m, clocking a time of 45.52s. He will return for the repechage for a chance to make the semifinals.
Great Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith won the race in a time of 44.78s, with USA’s Chris Bailey finishing 2nd in 44.89s.
Norway’s Havard Inngvaldsen snatched the 3rd spot in 45.46s.
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