Samuel Ogazi Turns Professional After Historic NCAA Career, Athletics Station Backs Bold Move
Oru Leonard
Nigeria’s sprint sensation, Samuel Ogazi, has officially turned professional, ending a glittering collegiate career at the University of Alabama after emerging as one of the greatest 400m runners in NCAA history.
The 20-year-old quarter-miler announced his decision to forgo his remaining NCAA eligibility after three remarkable seasons in the United States, where he rose from a promising talent to one of the fastest one-lap runners in the world.
His move to the professional ranks follows an extraordinary 2026 season in which he rewrote the record books and further cemented his status as one of Nigeria’s brightest athletics stars.
Ogazi capped his collegiate career by storming to victory in the NCAA Outdoor Championships with a stunning 43.38 seconds, setting a new NCAA record and becoming the fourth-fastest man in history over the 400 metres.
Earlier in the season, he claimed the NCAA Indoor 400m title in an African indoor record of 44.57 seconds, ranking among the fastest indoor performers ever. He also completed a clean sweep of the SEC indoor and outdoor 400m titles after successfully defending his outdoor crown from 2025.
His collegiate achievements include back-to-back NCAA Outdoor 400m titles in 2025 and 2026, having finished runner-up in 2024. During his time in the NCAA, Ogazi repeatedly lowered Nigeria’s national 400m record from 44.02 seconds to 43.95, then 43.82, before producing his historic 43.38-second performance.
Standing at 1.95 metres, Ogazi also leaves the University of Alabama as the fastest 400m runner in NCAA history, having established multiple school records.
Reacting to the development, Athletics Station described the decision as a defining moment for both the athlete and Nigerian athletics, saying Ogazi had accomplished virtually everything possible in collegiate competition.
“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.
Athletics Station praised the athlete’s discipline, resilience and commitment to excellence, noting that his rapid rise from national record holder to one of the fastest men in history demonstrates Nigeria’s ability to produce world-class athletes.
“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,” it added.
The organisation also called on Nigerians, sponsors and the athletics community to support Ogazi as he embarks on his professional career.
“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,” Athletics Station stated.
With his NCAA career now behind him, Ogazi is expected to begin competing full-time on the international professional circuit, where he will seek to build on a collegiate legacy that ranks among the finest in the history of the 400 metres.
