Nigeria’s sprint sensation, Samuel Ogazi, has officially announced his decision to turn professional, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable collegiate career with the University of Alabama that established him as one of the greatest 400m runners in NCAA history.
The quarter-miler who turned 20 last month, elected to forgo his remaining NCAA eligibility after three extraordinary seasons in the United States, where he evolved from a promising youngster into one of the world’s fastest one-lap runners.
His decision follows a sensational 2026 campaign in which he rewrote record books and elevated Nigerian athletics to unprecedented heights.
Ogazi’s final collegiate season ranks among the greatest ever by a 400m athlete. Just two weeks ago, the Nigerian blazed to an astonishing 43.38 seconds to win the NCAA Outdoor Championship, shattering the NCAA record and becoming the fourth-fastest man in history over the distance.
Earlier in the year, he 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 also swept the SEC indoor and outdoor 400m titles in 2026 after defending his outdoor crown from 2025.
His collegiate résumé is equally impressive, featuring back-to-back NCAA Outdoor 400m titles in 2025 and 2026, following a silver medal finish in 2024.
Throughout his career, Ogazi consistently lowered the Nigerian 400m record, taking it from 44.02 seconds to 43.95, then 43.82, before producing the historic 43.38 seconds.
The 1.95m tall athlete also set multiple University of Alabama records and leaves as the fastest 400m runner in NCAA history.
Reacting to the development, Athletics Station, a leading voice and key stakeholder in the development and promotion of athletics in Nigeria, described Ogazi’s decision as a defining moment for both the athlete and Nigerian track and field.
“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,” Athletics Station said.
The organisation added that Ogazi’s rise is a testament to his discipline, resilience and relentless pursuit of excellence.
“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 urged Nigerians 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.”
With his collegiate chapter now complete, all eyes will be on Ogazi as he takes on the world’s elite in the professional ranks, carrying with him the hopes of a nation and the confidence that his best performances are still to come.
