Samuel Ogazi turns professional after historic NCAA career

Editor

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. The institution 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.

“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.