Nigeria’s sprint sensation Samuel Ogazi has officially announced his decision to turn professional, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable collegiate career at the University of Alabama that established him as one of the greatest 400m runners in NCAA history and leaves him as the fourth-fastest man ever to have run the one-lap event.
- +Ogazi turns pro after landmark NCAA career
The 20-year-old elected to forgo his remaining NCAA eligibility after three extraordinary seasons in the United States, during which he evolved from a promising teenager into a genuine world-class athlete and systematically dismantled the Nigerian 400m record.
The 20-year-old elected to forgo his remaining NCAA eligibility after three extraordinary seasons in the United States, during which he evolved from a promising teenager into a genuine world-class athlete and systematically dismantled the Nigerian 400m record.
His final collegiate season was the stuff of track and field legend. Two weeks ago, Ogazi blazed to 43.38 seconds to win the NCAA Outdoor Championship, shattering the NCAA record and placing him fourth on the all-time global list for the event. Earlier in the year, he had claimed the NCAA Indoor 400m title in an African indoor record of 44.57 seconds, making him the fourth-fastest indoor performer ever at the time. He swept the SEC indoor and outdoor 400m titles in 2026 and defended his NCAA outdoor crown from 2025, having also claimed a silver medal in 2024.
Across his collegiate career, Ogazi progressively lowered the Nigerian 400m record from 44.02 seconds to 43.95, then 43.82, before producing the historic 43.38 seconds that announced him to the global athletics community as a genuine medal contender.
The 1.95m tall athlete also set multiple University of Alabama records and departs as the fastest 400m runner in NCAA history.
Athletics Station, a leading stakeholder in Nigerian track and field, described the decision as a defining moment for both Ogazi and the sport in the country.
“We are absolutely delighted with Samuel Ogazi’s decision to turn professional. He has conquered the collegiate ranks and leaves as arguably the greatest 400m athlete in NCAA history. There is little left for him to prove at that level, and this is the natural next step in his journey,” the organisation said.
“Samuel has shown the world that Nigerian athletes can compete with and outperform the very best. His progression from breaking the national record to becoming the fourth-fastest man in history has been phenomenal. We are confident that with the right professional guidance, he will become a global force and a consistent medal contender on the international stage.”
Athletics Station also called on the athletics community, sponsors and fans to rally behind the young star as he begins life on the professional circuit.
“This is a proud moment for Nigerian athletics. Samuel Ogazi represents the future of the sport in our country. As he embarks on this new chapter, he deserves the full support of the athletics community, sponsors and fans. We have every reason to believe that even greater achievements lie ahead.”
