Samuel Ogazi Breaks 26-Year Record to Win Historic NCAA 400m Title for Nigeria
By IDNN Athletics Desk
EUGENE, OREGON — June 15, 2025
Samuel Ogazi has etched his name in both Nigerian and collegiate track history, storming to a record-breaking win in the men’s 400-meter final at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Friday.
Clocking 44.84 seconds, Ogazi shattered a 26-year-old drought to become the first Nigerian since 1999 to win the prestigious title. In doing so, he also became the only runner in the final to dip below 45 seconds — a feat that underlined his growing dominance on the global sprinting stage.
The standout performance took place at Hayward Field, where Ogazi held off a tough field that included William Jones of Southern Cal (45.53), Jordan Pierre (45.75), DeSean Boyce (45.78), and Joseph Taylor (45.83), all trailing behind the Nigerian’s blistering pace.
“I just focused on executing my race plan. Everything else took care of itself,” Ogazi told reporters post-race, with a calm confidence that belied the magnitude of his achievement.
🔁 Redemption and Reinforcement
The victory marked sweet redemption for Ogazi, who claimed silver at the 2024 edition of the same event, narrowly missing gold with a then-PB of 44.52 seconds. He had already given a glimpse of his intent earlier in the week when he posted the fastest semi-final time at 44.77 seconds.
Friday’s triumph wasn’t just about speed. It was a masterclass in strategic pacing, smooth execution, and technical balance, elevating Ogazi to elite status among NCAA greats and validating his reputation as one of Africa’s fastest-rising stars ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
A Star on the Rise
At just 21, Ogazi’s rise is emblematic of a new wave in Nigerian athletics — one driven by discipline, data, and world-class preparation. His performance has sparked hope not just for Olympic glory, but also for a long-awaited revival of quarter-mile supremacy once dominated by legends like Sunday Bada and Innocent Egbunike.
Nigeria’s Global Sprint Footprint
Ogazi’s feat now positions him as one of the major medal prospects heading into Paris 2024. Analysts note that a sub-45s final run in the NCAA is often a direct indicator of podium potential on the Olympic stage.
“This is not just a collegiate win. It’s a message to the world,” said IDNN Athletics Analyst Ade Obasanya. “Nigeria may just be witnessing the birth of its next 400m Olympic finalist.”
With the track world watching and Nigeria’s Olympic camp intensifying its preparation, Samuel Ogazi’s victory is more than a medal — it’s a movement.