LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Nigerian 400m star Samuel Ogazi made his professional debut in style after winning the gold medal in the men’s 400m event at the Ed Murphey Classic in Tennessee, United States.
Samuel Ogazi claimed victory with a time of 44.57 seconds to announce his arrival on the professional athletics scene.
The 400m specialist earned a narrow victory over Jamaica’s Antonio Watson, who finished second in 44.70 seconds.
Grenada’s Olympic champion Kirani James completed the podium with a time of 45.04 seconds.
The Nigerian’s time places him among the leading performers in the event this season.
Ogazi recently turned professional in late June after forgoing his student athlete eligibility at the University of Alabama.
He announced the decision on his official Instagram account two weeks after he became the 4th fastest man in history with 43.38s.
His podium finish in Tennessee signals strong potential for future major championships despite turning professional earlier than expected.
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In the Women’s 400m, Nigeria’s Ella Onojuvwevwo also produced a brilliant finish to win the event.
The quarter-miler crossed the finish line in a season-best time of 50.38 seconds after a powerful late surge to overhaul the field.
American athlete Sanaria Butler settled for second place in 50.69 seconds while her compatriot Alexis Holmes also finished in third place after running a time of 50.94 seconds.
Onojuvwevwo’s victory adds another impressive result to Nigeria’s performances at the Ed Murphey Classic.
With Ogazi and Onojuvwevwo dominatig the 400m events, the Ed Murphey Classic continues to serve as a key early-season platform for emerging talents and established stars alike.
