August 11, (THEWILL) — In this interview with JUDE OBAFEMI, US-based Nigerian athlete, Nnamdi Onwaeze reflects on the emotions behind his feat at the 2025 Nigerian Athletics Championships held in Lagos, the challenges of switching allegiance from the United States to Nigeria and his vision for the future of athletics in the country.
He also shares personal insights, from the mentors who shaped him to the goals that keep him on track for both sporting success and life beyond competition. Excerpts:
Congratulations on your first national title! Can you describe what it felt like to cross the finish line in 14.13 seconds and realize you were the national champion?
It was honestly a blessing just to cross the line. Before the race I fell and got up and shrugged it off. The process to get to Nigeria and compete at this level was what I always dreamed of and after crossing the line all my dreams came to reality. It was honestly a mental battle of taking each hurdle one by one. I was glad I was able to just execute and run my race.
You dedicated this win to your late aunt. Can you share more about her influence on your life and why you chose to honour her with this victory?
My late aunt Princess Nonye Onwaeze passed away in 2021 and she always encouraged me to represent Nigeria. Before I even had the time or talent to get to this level, she always believed that I could wear the green and white and represent Nigeria on the highest level. I always had a picture of her in my dorm during my entire collegiate career and I wanted to take her picture to the trial to let her know that I achieved our dream. She always had hope in me and I wanted to honor her by dedicating this race to her.
What was it like competing at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex for your first competition in Nigeria?
It was honestly a fun experience before coming to the trials. I only ran at Asaba stadium to stay in shape for my collegiate season in previous years. Being able to come to Nigeria and compete in the trials this year gave me an opportunity to showcase my talent. I was just happy to be on the track in a competitive environment with my family watching.
You chose to represent Nigeria over the United States. What challenges did you face in making that decision and what does it mean to you to compete for Nigeria?
I never once considered competing for the US as I always dreamed of competing for Nigeria, even though there were some challenges coming to compete in Nigeria. I wasn’t sure how to register for races and compete at the time I was able to reach out to certain media pages like Revolution Athletes, Athletic Heat and Making of Champs on Instagram to get my name out there. Also, before the trials I was able to reach out and connect with some people from Athletic Federation (AFN) when practicing at stadiums in Surulere and Abeokuta before the trials. To compete for Nigeria, it gave me a chance to show my people that our country has so much talent. Nigerians are so advanced and skilled but we’re spread all of the world and I wouldn’t want to showcase my talent anywhere else but my own country.
How did your experience as an NCAA Division II Championships finalist prepare you for the Nigerian Championships?
My experience as NCAA Division II Championships finalist helped me a lot before the trials. My first two seasons as a collegiate athlete I dealt with a lot of injuries that stunted my growth as an athlete. This last year was the first year I’ve been able to stay healthy as an athlete. So, I’ve had the experience to overcome a lot of circumstances from my years as a collegiate athlete. The road to becoming an NCAA Division II Championships finalist was not easy as my first year I finished 20th in the nation and missed national by one spot as they only took 19. My second year I finished 20th again, but that year they took 22 athletes for the 110. My third year I redshirt and my last year I came in as the 16th best in the nation. Going into the national meet, my goal was to make the final and that allowed me to lock in, improve my time from 13.94 to 13.63 to make the final. That experience helped a lot going into the trials as I had the experience to overcome any task in any given situation.
Your time edged out Wisdom Great Musa, who ran 13.73 seconds in the heats. What was your strategy going into the final?
Going into the race I knew that I had the speed and experience to run my race. During the preliminary rounds I just wanted to make sure I qualified and execute doing my race. For the finals I came into the day trying to improve on my time but before the race I fell and that changed my mindset. After I fell, I wanted to make sure that I get over the hurdles and start attacking after the third hurdle. I knew Musa would get out strong and want to make sure I stayed close to him so I can use him to run my race. And by God’s Grace, I was able to execute that plan.
Did you encounter any unexpected challenges during the competition, and how did you overcome them?
I didn’t really experience or encounter anything that really challenged me. I’m always ready for the unexpected and was ready to race no matter the situation. The change of the venue last minute was shocking but I was just mentally ready to run and happy to get a chance to compete in Nigeria.
With the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo approaching, how are you preparing for global competition?
Unfortunately, I won’t be able to compete at the world athletics championship, but being able to compete at other international competitions for Nigeria was always a goal of mine. I will be competing at CAA regional two championships and looking to bring back Gold for Nigeria.
What improvements would you like to see in Nigerian athletics infrastructure to support future athletes?
The AFN is putting in work to make improvements. Having a schedule laid out and more places for people to reach out to compete. Having a website setup and sports centers around Nigeria would give athletes hope and a place to recognize that they can come to. Being around the coaching staff, I’ve seen the talent that they have but more funding and having more people committed to the cause of helping athletes is needed.
What message do you have for young athletes in Nigeria who dream of following in your footsteps?
For any other athletes outside Nigeria or in the country that are looking to compete for this country, I encourage them to never give up and always stay focused on their goals. To be able to represent your country on the national stage is a feeling a Nigerian athlete can never get outside their country. The feeling of family and others cheering you on is a moment I will never forget. No one will treat you as good as your own people.
Outside of athletics, what interests drive you and influence your approach to competition?
Outside of athletics, my family and friends push me to do my best. Doing my junior year, I almost stopped track and before my last year I was with my friends before the start of the school year and they convinced me to give it one more go. I will forever thank them for that. My life has always been surrounded by sports as I plan to be a physical therapist in the future and help other athletes like myself that go through injuries like I did during the first two years of my collegiate career. My dream of helping athletes pushes myself as I want to carve out a career that I can share to people and tell my kids of what I accomplished.
How do you hope your victory will inspire others in Nigeria and the diaspora?
I hope my victory shows that no matter where you come from that we’re all one people overseas or not. I feel like people coming together and showing that Nigerians are talented and full of pride. We claim to be giant of Africa, so we must hold ourselves to that standard. No matter where you’re from to come back to your own country and compete on the highest level will be an achievement our people will never forget.
What advice would you give to your younger self just starting out in athletics?
I wouldn’t give myself any advice I feel like the steps I took to get here have allowed me to the person I am today. From not cherishing the sport at one point to finding a deep love for it I wouldn’t go back and change anything I did. I feel like the learning process and understanding how much effort it takes to be great is something that shapes who I am as person.
What’s next for you and what can Nigerians look forward to from you in the coming years?
My next goal is to continue wearing the green and white colours for as long as I can. To be young and healthy is something a person can never get back and cherishing all the moments I can. I look forward to competing at any meet where I can represent Nigeria and try to bring back silverware home. After my athletics career, I want to help other athletes in Nigeria by building facilities and clinics to further boost our athletics programme. I believe having a strong athletics programme will keep athletes here in Nigeria instead of looking elsewhere for help. My plan is to strengthen our country’s athletics and leave a legacy that will carry on.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
