Samuel Ogazi produced a historic performance to shatter Nigeria’s long-standing 400 metres record, clocking a world-leading 44.02 seconds at the Torrin Lawrence Memorial in Athens on Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 19-year-old’s remarkable run eclipsed the previous national record of 44.17s set by Innocent Egbunike in 1987, ending a 30-year wait for a new benchmark in the event.

Ogazi’s time not only secured a personal best, improving on his previous mark of 44.41s, but also elevated him to sixth on the African all-time list, which is brewing him up as the biggest quarter-miler on the continental stage.

The performance further established a new University of Alabama school record and ranks as the sixth fastest time in collegiate history, as Ogazi continues to rise rapidly in the global sprinting scene.

Despite finishing second in the race by a margin of just 0.005 seconds, his time stood as the standout moment of the meet and jointly leads the world rankings this season.

Ogazi’s breakthrough means Nigeria now holds the world-leading times in both the men’s and women’s 400 metres, with Ella Onojuvwevwo having earlier set the pace in the women’s event with a personal best of 49.59s.

The young sprinter’s latest feat builds on an already impressive trajectory, having reached the final of the men’s 400m at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and won NCAA national and SEC outdoor titles in 2025.

A five-time All-American, Ogazi has consistently demonstrated his potential, contributing to strong relay performances and excelling in individual events, including a 200m victory earlier this season.

His record-breaking run in Athens signals a new era for Nigerian quarter-milers, with Ogazi now edging closer to becoming the first Nigerian man to break the 44-second barrier in the event.