By Ben Efe 4.5.2026
Legendary Nigerian quarter miler Innocent Ebgunike has hailed youngster Samuel Ogazi who last weekend shattered his 44.17seconds longstanding 400m national record with a massive 44.02 seconds run.
The 19-years-old Ogazi achieved the feat on May 2 during an NCAA meeting in Athens, Georgia, USA. It was an outdoor season opener for the University of Alabama student who has consistently being on the rise.
The feat which is the world time is also the University of Alabama school record, and it ranks as the seventh-fastest time in NCAA history.
Speaking on the achievement Ebgunike who set his mark 1987 during the World Championships in Rome wrote on his Facebook platform: It is with great enthusiasm that I join members of the sports family in Nigeria and beyond in congratulating Samuel Ogazi, who broke my Nigerian 400-meter record.
“I’m thankful to God for allowing me to stand on the shoulders of those before me, like Dele Udo, Sunday Uti (who had the national record before me), as well as my teammates like Moses Ugbesien and Rotimi Peters, and those who came after us, such as late Sunday Bada and Clement Chukwu, to mention a few.
I appreciate God’s blessing in paving the way for others, having held the record for 39 years.
“As the new face of Nigeria in the 400 meters, you now have the responsibility to lead by example.
“Stay confident but humble, and use your talent to honor and worship God. Remember to keep close to those who knew you before your rise, stay committed to your education (for knowledge is power), walk with integrity, and inspire others through your abilities.”