Samuel Ogazi delivered one of the standout performances of the 2026 Commonwealth Games on Saturday, becoming the first Nigerian man to win the men’s 400 metres title after powering to gold in a new Games record of 44.84 seconds.
The 20-year-old exploded out of the final bend before pulling clear of the chasing pack to cross the finish line in 44.84 seconds, breaking the previous Games record and giving Team Nigeria another gold medal in athletics.
Ogazi looked in complete control throughout the race, maintaining a strong pace before producing a blistering finish that left the rest of the field trailing behind. His performance underlined the impressive form he has shown throughout the season and further established him as one of the world’s leading one-lap runners.
The victory is another major milestone for Nigerian athletics, with Ogazi becoming the first Nigerian male athlete to claim the Commonwealth Games 400m crown. His success also continues Nigeria’s proud tradition in track and field, where the country has consistently produced world-class sprinters.
Ogazi’s latest achievement comes after a remarkable rise over the past year, during which he broke Nigeria’s long-standing men’s 400m national record and became the first Nigerian to run the event in under 44 seconds.
With a Commonwealth Games gold medal, a new Games record of 44.84 seconds and another outstanding performance on the international stage, Samuel Ogazi has once again shown why he is regarded as one of the brightest talents in global athletics.
