Veteran Nigerian quarter-miler Chidi Okezie has opened his 2025 outdoor season with a bang, delivering his fastest-ever season opener at the prestigious Botswana Golden Grand Prix held on Saturday, April 12.
Okezie, who is the reigning African Games 400m champion, clocked an impressive 45.15 seconds to finish fourth in a fiercely competitive race. The time stands as his Season’s Best (SB) and ranks as the second-fastest time by a Nigerian this year a strong signal of what’s to come as the season progresses.
Competing in a star-studded field, Okezie held his own against global talents. Botswana’s Bayapo Ndori thrilled the home crowd by taking the win with an SB of 44.35s, extending his unbeaten streak. South Africa’s Zakithi Nene and Lythe Pillay followed closely, finishing in 44.68s and 44.97s respectively.
This performance marks a strong return to form for Okezie, who struggled to break the 46-second barrier during the indoor season. Now back in peak condition, he looks set to chase qualification for the World Championships and earn his spot on Nigeria’s Olympic team to Tokyo this summer.
Another win for Ndori 💪
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) April 12, 2025
🇧🇼's Bayapo Ndori dominates in front of a home crowd in Gaborone with the second fastest 400m this year, clocking 44.35 🔥
Livestream 🔗 https://t.co/120v1XvHMn#ContinentalTourGold pic.twitter.com/yjEYmtZlht
With this explosive start, all eyes will be on Okezie as he continues his 2025 campaign and possibly delivers one of his best seasons yet.
