“I’m Back”: Ogazi Declares Return to Form After NCAA Triumph

“I’m Back”: Ogazi Declares Return to Form After NCAA Triumph

By Admin 

Nigerian quarter-miler Samuel Ogazi has declared he is back to his best after clinching gold in the men’s 400 metres at the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, held in Eugene, Oregon.

The 19-year-old Alabama freshman produced a strong performance to clock 44.84 seconds in the final on Friday, becoming the first Nigerian athlete in 26 years—since 1999—to win the 400m at the NCAA level.

Despite facing cold and challenging weather conditions, Ogazi outpaced William Jones of Southern Cal (45.53s) and Jordan Pierre of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (45.75s) to seal the title.

“I feel like I’m back in peak form,” Ogazi said post-race. “Even though the time I wanted didn’t come today, I give all the glory to God. We’ll go again next month.”

His triumph capped a remarkable comeback from injury. The Nigerian revealed he had been sidelined for eight weeks earlier in the year after sustaining a setback in January.

 “It was definitely a tough journey. But God kept me going,” he said. “My coaches, my team, and teammates kept encouraging me to believe in myself. I just had to stay focused and get my form back.”

While disappointed not to break his personal best in the final—having run 44.77s in the semi-finals under better weather—Ogazi said the gold medal mattered most.

"It was cold today, and I’m not used to that,” he explained. “On Wednesday, the sun was out, and I prefer running in warm weather. But I pushed, and I’m grateful for the result.”

Ogazi’s standout season has seen him rise as one of Nigeria’s brightest track talents. In 2024, he: reached the 400m final at the Paris Olympics, finishing 7th overall, won bronze at the African Championships in Douala, helped set a new African and national record in the mixed 4x400m relay at the World Relays in the Bahamas. And won the 400m title at the 2025 SEC Championships in Lexington, Kentucky.

His victory in Eugene has also drawn comparisons to Olympic gold medallist and Alabama icon Kirani James—a comparison Ogazi humbly embraces.

 “It means a lot to be mentioned alongside Kirani James,” he said. “He’s a legend. I’m just honoured to contribute to the legacy of this programme.”

With the NCAA title now under his belt, Ogazi sets his sights on the Pre-Classic, after confirming his withdrawal from the Grand Slam event.