Ogazi blazes to historic Commonwealth Games 400m Gold for Nigeria

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Samuel Ogazi produced a commanding performance to win the men’s 400 metres gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Saturday, storming to victory in 44.25 seconds to hand Nigeria its first-ever Commonwealth title in the event.

The 20-year-old Nigerian, who had entered the final as the fastest qualifier after clocking 44.52 seconds in the semi-finals, lived up to his billing by pulling away from the field in the closing stages to secure a convincing victory at Scotstoun Stadium.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards claimed the silver medal in 44.82 seconds, while South Africa’s Zakithi Nene finished third in 45.21 seconds. Botswana’s Lee Bhekempilo Eppie placed fourth in 45.31 seconds, ahead of Australia’s Thomas Reynolds (45.57), Zambia’s defending champion Muzala Samukonga (45.61), Jamaica’s Zandrion Barnes (45.68) and Nigeria’s Edidiong Okon Udo, who finished eighth in 45.81 seconds.

Ogazi‘s victory capped a remarkable rise for the Kaduna-born sprinter, who has enjoyed a breakthrough season after setting a Nigerian record of 44.02 seconds and emerging as one of the world’s leading quarter-milers while competing for the University of Alabama in the United States.

The gold medal further strengthens Nigeria’s growing reputation in the men’s 400 metres and adds another milestone to the impressive career of Ogazi, which has already seen him reach the Olympic final, win an NCAA title and establish himself among the world’s elite in the one-lap race.