Nigerian quarter-miler Samuel Ogazi has officially turned professional, bringing the curtain down on one of the most successful collegiate careers by an African athlete in NCAA history.
The 20-year-old made the decision after a sensational spell at the University of Alabama, where he rewrote both NCAA and Nigerian record books to establish himself among the world’s fastest 400 metres runners.
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“Turning professional is the natural next step in my journey,” Ogazi said.
Ogazi leaves the collegiate ranks after an unforgettable 2026 season, during which he captured the NCAA Outdoor 400m title in a record-breaking 43.38 seconds, becoming the fourth-fastest man in history over the distance.
Earlier in the season, he also claimed the NCAA Indoor 400m crown in an African indoor record of 44.57 seconds, completing a remarkable campaign that cemented his place among the sport’s elite.
Throughout his time at Alabama, Ogazi won consecutive NCAA Outdoor 400m titles in 2025 and 2026, finished runner-up in 2024 and swept the SEC indoor and outdoor 400m championships while successfully defending his conference crown.
His performances also transformed Nigeria’s national record in the event, lowering it from 44.02 seconds to 43.95, then 43.82, before producing his historic 43.38-second run.
Athletics Station Management welcomed the decision, describing it as a major milestone for both Ogazi and Nigerian athletics.
“Samuel has conquered the collegiate ranks and leaves as one of the greatest 400m athletes in NCAA history. We believe he is ready for the next level,” the organisation said.
Ogazi now begins his professional career with growing expectations that he can become one of Nigeria’s leading medal contenders on the global stage, having already established himself as one of the country’s brightest athletics stars.
