African Games men’s 400m champion Chidi Anthony Okezie has told fans to expect something very fast, faster than lightning, at the sixth edition of the Absa Kip Keino Classic, set for Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi this Saturday.

The 31-year-old Nigerian speed ace has pledged to dominate the men’s 400m race, which features a rich field that includes World Indoor 4x400m relay champion Brian Faust of the USA, in the much-anticipated Kip Keino Classic showdown, where he is aiming to make his debut in style.

“Expect a very fast race, a very competitive outing. I’m putting everything on the line for this,” Okezie declared upon landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi on Monday night.

The 6’7” sprinter said he has no opponents in the contest, only the clock.

“I fear nobody. The clock is my biggest competitor. I don’t focus on anyone else,” he stated, outlining his racing mantra.

“Whenever I’m on the track, I’m the best athlete out there. The contest is always between me and time,” he reiterated.

Although this is his first time in Kenya, Okezie, who was born and raised in the USA by a Jamaican mother and a Nigerian father, said it is always a blessing to compete on African soil.

“Being a Nigerian who lives in the USA, competing in Africa is always special, like my last race at the FNB Botswana Grand Prix. It meant a lot to me.

“So, competing in Kenya at the Kip Keino Classic is going to be even more special and personal,” he highlighted.

And why did the Olympian choose Nigeria over track powerhouse USA for his racing career?

“I like the rich history and culture of Nigeria. I admire the Nigerian sprint legend Chidi Okezie, whom I’m named after. He’s my icon, my mentor. I want to put my name in the same annals of history where he has been written.”

So far, Okezie is pleased with how the new season is unfolding. He has competed in two races, opening the year with a 44.01 before clocking 45.15 for a fourth-place finish at the FNB Botswana Grand Prix.

“I’ve just started. The season is going pretty well. I expect to improve those times at the weekend meet in Nairobi,” he underlined.

The lanky speedster definitely has plans to holiday in Kenya but insists the job must be done first.

“The game plan is to come here, run very fast, and win. Then we explore the safari. Kenya is a beautiful country, rich in culture, so I’d definitely like to see some zebras, elephants, giraffes, and lions before heading back to America,” he hinted.

The Olympian has also praised Kenya for its strides in sprints, commending the country’s performance at the recently concluded World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China.

“Africa is soon becoming a powerhouse in sprints. South Africa took a chunk of the medals from the World Relays. Botswana and Kenya did great to qualify for the World Championships, and Nigeria is also making impressive moves in the category.

“I definitely feel Africa is making an impact in track and field. As a continent, we should continue to keep the spirit alive. Someone running in Africa and for Africa will always inspire me to do better, and that’s why I’ll continue to run for Nigeria for the rest of my life.”

Okezie, a staunch Real Madrid fan, plans to defend his African Games title and has lofty ambitions of lowering the world record and adding Olympic and World Championship golds to his cabinet.