Ogazi turns pro after landmark NCAA career

Nigerian sprint star Samuel Ogazi has officially announced his transition to professional athletics, marking the end of an exceptionally distinguished collegiate career at the University of Alabama. Over three seasons, Ogazi evolved into a world-class 400m runner, systematically breaking Nigerian records and establishing himself as one of the all-time greats in NCAA history.

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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.

His final collegiate season was particularly remarkable. Ogazi clocked an astonishing 43.38 seconds to win the NCAA Outdoor Championship, shattering the existing NCAA record and securing his place as the fourth-fastest man ever in the 400m event. Earlier in the year, he captured the NCAA Indoor 400m title with an African indoor record of 44.57 seconds. He also swept the SEC indoor and outdoor titles in 2026 and successfully defended his NCAA outdoor crown from 2025, adding to a silver medal from 2024.

Throughout his collegiate journey, Ogazi progressively lowered the Nigerian 400m record from 44.02 seconds to 43.38 seconds, demonstrating consistent improvement and world-class performance. The University of Alabama athlete also set multiple university records, departing as the fastest 400m runner in NCAA history.

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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, a prominent figure in Nigerian track and field, hailed Ogazi's decision as a pivotal moment for both the athlete and the sport in Nigeria. The organization expressed confidence in his potential to become a global force and a consistent medal contender on the international stage, urging the athletics community, sponsors, and fans to support his professional journey.

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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.