Chidi Okezie stuns 400m field to regain Nigerian title in Benin

When all eyes were on the faster young runners, Chidi Okezie proved why he is a veteran in the game and still relevant by winning the men's 400m title at the Nigeria Trials/Championships in Benin.

Okezie running from lane 2, ran a tactical race and pulled clear off the field to cross the finish line in a Season's Best of 45.89s, becoming a three-time National champion.

In second place was newbie and NCAA standout athlete Dubem Nwachukwu in 46.29s, while African U18 champion Samuel Ogazi was third in 46.35s.

A great comeback victory for Okezie, who wasn't the favourite for the title before the championship, but rose to the occasion when it mattered most.

The trio and other selected quarter-milers will now shift their focus to the African Region II Championships in Togo, where they will be running together in the relays in a bid to qualify for the World Championships in Budapest.