Samuel Ogazi Turns Professional After Historic NCAA Career

Nigerian quarter-miler Samuel Ogazi has officially announced his decision to turn professional after three outstanding seasons with the University of Alabama, closing a collegiate career that redefined the 400m.

The 20-year-old stunned the athletics world just two weeks ago when he clocked 43.38 seconds, becoming the fourth-fastest man in history.

That performance capped a remarkable 2026 season in which he shattered records and cemented his place among the sport’s elite.

Ogazi’s résumé includes multiple NCAA and SEC titles, highlighted by his victory in the 2026 NCAA Outdoor 400m, where he set a new NCAA record with his 43.38s run.

Earlier in the year, he also claimed the NCAA Indoor 400m crown in 44.57s, breaking the African indoor record and ranking as the fourth-fastest indoor performer in history. His progression has been relentless, breaking Nigeria’s long-standing 400m record with 44.02s before lowering it further to 43.95s, 43.82s, and finally 43.38s.

Alongside his national records, he set multiple University of Alabama school marks, finishing his collegiate career as the fastest 400m runner in NCAA history.

In a heartfelt farewell message to the Alabama track program, Ogazi expressed deep gratitude to his coaches, teammates, and staff.

‘Leaving Nigeria to come to Alabama was one of the biggest decisions of my life. I came here with faith, hope, and a dream. Today, I leave with so much more than medals and memories, I leave as a better man because of this program,’ he wrote.

He thanked head coach Wiley Wiley for believing in him, his teammates for becoming his ‘brothers and sisters away from home,’ and the staff for their support behind the scenes.

‘Back home, we say, ‘A person who is grateful will never lack blessings.’ My prayer is that God blesses each and every one of you for the role you played in my journey. No matter where life takes me, I will always be proud to have been part of the Alabama Family.”

By choosing to forgo his remaining NCAA eligibility, Ogazi now steps onto the global stage as a professional athlete, carrying the hopes of Nigeria and the wider athletics community.

His decision signals the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with great expectations as he prepares to challenge for world titles and Olympic glory.