Nigeria’s Udodi Onwuzurike, the nation’s second-fastest 200m sprinter of all time, is poised to transition into the professional athletics scene following a challenging period that saw him miss out on the opportunity to compete at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary in August.
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Onwuzurike, who set an impressive time of 19.76 seconds in the 200m earlier this year, encountered an unfortunate setback when he sustained an injury while competing in the NCAA in the United States. This injury prevented him from pursuing his second appearance at the World Championships.
Despite his injury setback, Onwuzurike returned to Nigeria in June to participate in the National Trials. He also contributed to the nation’s 4x100m relay team at the African Region 2 competition in Lome, Togo.
Nevertheless, alongside U.S.-based sprinter Godson Brume, he was unable to secure a place at the Budapest event.
However, the former world U-20 champion, who clinched the 200m title at the 2023 NCAA outdoor track and field Championships in June, has set his sights on becoming a professional athlete.
This transition will see him competing in high-stakes events like the Diamond League while reaping the financial rewards that come with it.
A reliable source close to the athlete revealed that Onwuzurike has put his World Championships disappointment behind him and is fully immersed in his training.
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The source also hinted at the athlete’s potential as a key contender at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.
The source emphasized the urgency of the Sports Ministry and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to engage with Nigerian athletes in the U.S. promptly. Time is of the essence, as international competitions are fast approaching.
Udodi Onwuzurike’s journey has been marked by stellar achievements, including winning the 200m gold at the 2021 World U-20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, and representing Nigeria at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon, United States.
His remarkable speed earned him the status of the fifth fastest athlete and joint 26th in the world’s all-time rankings prior to the Budapest championship.
As Udodi Onwuzurike embarks on his professional journey, he remains a beacon of hope for Nigerian athletics, showcasing resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
His story is a testament to the unwavering spirit of athletes who pursue their dreams with unwavering dedication.
