Nigerian sprint sensation Samuel Ogazi delivered a historic performance at the 2026 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships, blazing to victory in the men’s 400 meters with a stunning time of 43.38 seconds.
Representing the University of Alabama at the famous Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, Ogazi shattered the NCAA collegiate record of 43.61s previously set by Michael Norman of USC in 2018.
The remarkable run also saw the Nigerian quarter-miler lower his own national record from 43.82s, while setting a new world-leading time for 2026.
Ogazi’s performance has now elevated him into the history books as the fourth fastest man ever over the 400m distance and the second fastest African in history behind South African legend Wayde van Niekerk.
The race lived up to expectations as Georgia freshman Jonathan Simms pushed hard and clocked a personal best of 43.92s to finish second, but Ogazi showed incredible composure and power in the closing stages to defend his NCAA outdoor title in emphatic fashion.
The achievement marks another major milestone in the rapid rise of the Nigerian star, who continues to establish himself as one of the brightest talents in global athletics.
Ogazi’s historic performance has generated massive excitement ahead of upcoming international competitions, with many now tipping the 20-year-old as a serious medal contender on the world stage.
His extraordinary run in Eugene further underlines Nigeria’s growing reputation in sprint events and adds another golden chapter to the country’s athletics history.
