‘Samuel Ogazi Conquered Collegiate Athletics’ – Athletics Station Hails Sprint Star’s Decision to Turn Professional
Athletics Station has praised Nigerian sprint sensation Samuel Ogazi after the NCAA record holder announced his decision to turn professional following a historic collegiate career at the University of Alabama.
‘Samuel Ogazi Conquered Collegiate Athletics’ – Athletics Station Hails Sprint Star’s Decision to Turn Professional
Athletics Station has applauded Nigerian sprint sensation Samuel Ogazi following his decision to turn professional, describing the move as a well-deserved progression after what it called a historic and record-breaking collegiate career in the United States.
Ogazi, who recently turned 20, officially announced that he will forgo his remaining NCAA eligibility after three outstanding seasons at the University of Alabama, where he established himself as one of the greatest 400m runners in NCAA history.
The Nigerian quarter-miler leaves collegiate athletics after a remarkable 2026 season that saw him rewrite several records and further cement his status among the world’s elite one-lap runners.
Earlier this month, Ogazi stormed to victory at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in a sensational 43.38 seconds, setting a new NCAA record and becoming the fourth-fastest man in history over the 400m distance.
He also captured the NCAA Indoor 400m title earlier in the year in an African indoor record of 44.57 seconds, a performance that placed him among the fastest indoor 400m athletes ever. In addition, he completed a clean sweep of the SEC indoor and outdoor 400m titles after successfully defending his outdoor crown.
His collegiate achievements include back-to-back NCAA Outdoor 400m titles in 2025 and 2026, following a runner-up finish in 2024.
Throughout his collegiate career, Ogazi consistently lowered Nigeria’s national 400m record, improving it from 44.02 seconds to 43.95, then 43.82, before producing his historic 43.38-second performance.
He also established multiple University of Alabama records and exits as the fastest 400m runner in NCAA history.
Reacting to the announcement, Athletics Station described Ogazi’s decision as a defining moment for both the athlete and Nigerian athletics.
“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 added that Ogazi’s rise reflects years of discipline, resilience and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
“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.”
The organisation also urged Nigerians, corporate sponsors and the athletics community to rally behind the young star as he begins 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.”
With his collegiate chapter now complete, Ogazi will now shift his focus to competing against the world’s best on the professional circuit, carrying the hopes of Nigerian athletics into a new era.
