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Samuel Ogazi became the first Nigerian to win the men’s 400m gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.
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The 20-year-old stormed to victory in a championship-winning time of 44.25 seconds.
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His triumph added another gold medal to Team Nigeria’s remarkable campaign in Glasgow.
August 01, (THEWILL) — Samuel Ogazi etched his name into Nigerian sporting history on Saturday after becoming the first athlete from the country to win the men’s 400 metres title at the Commonwealth Games, delivering a stunning performance to claim gold at Glasgow 2026.
The Nigerian quarter-miler produced a championship-winning run of 44.25 seconds, taking control of the race on the final bend before surging clear of the field to secure a memorable victory and end Nigeria’s long wait for a Commonwealth champion in the event.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards finished second in 44.82 seconds to take the silver medal, while South Africa’s Zakithi Nene claimed bronze after crossing the line in 45.21 seconds.
Ogazi’s historic triumph further strengthened Team Nigeria’s impressive medal haul in Glasgow and added another athletics gold to a campaign that has already produced several record-breaking performances across different sports.
There was further Nigerian representation in the final as Edidiong Okon Udo also competed for Team Nigeria. Although he could not challenge for the podium places, he finished eighth with a time of 45.81 seconds.
The victory marks another major milestone in Ogazi’s rapidly rising career. Already regarded as one of Nigeria’s brightest sprint prospects, the young athlete showed remarkable composure under pressure, timing his finishing burst perfectly to leave his rivals behind in the closing metres.
His success also highlights Nigeria’s growing strength in athletics, with the country’s sprinters continuing to make their mark on the international stage. Coming after several outstanding performances by Team Nigeria in Glasgow, Ogazi’s gold medal reinforces the nation’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading sporting powers.
Celebrations erupted among the Nigerian contingent as Ogazi crossed the finish line, with teammates, coaches and officials recognising the significance of his achievement. By becoming the first Nigerian to capture the Commonwealth Games men’s 400m title, he has not only delivered another gold medal but also written a new chapter in the country’s athletics history.
With the Games still ongoing, Ogazi’s landmark victory provides another major boost to Team Nigeria’s quest for an even stronger finish in Glasgow, where the nation’s athletes continue to produce performances worthy of the history books.
