Nigeria’s Samuel Ogazi delivered a commanding performance to win the men’s 400 metres gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, becoming the first Nigerian to claim the Commonwealth title in the event.
The 20-year-old stormed to victory in 44.25 seconds at Scotstoun Stadium on Saturday, pulling clear of the field over the closing stages after entering the final as the overwhelming favourite. Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards finished second in 44.82 seconds, while South Africa’s Zakithi Nene claimed bronze in 45.21 seconds.
Ogazi had signalled his intentions in the semifinals, clocking 44.52 seconds, the fastest 400m semifinal ever recorded at the Commonwealth Games, to comfortably book his place in the final. He maintained that form when it mattered most, producing a composed and dominant run to secure Nigeria’s historic breakthrough in the men’s one-lap race.
The victory capped a remarkable season for the Nigerian sprinter, who earlier this year broke the country’s long-standing 400m national record with a time of 44.02 seconds. His Commonwealth triumph also delivered Nigeria’s 10th gold medal at the Glasgow 2026 Games, further cementing his status as one of the world’s brightest young quarter-milers.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
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