Representing the University of Alabama, Ogazi clocked an impressive 44.61 seconds in what appeared to be a relaxed and controlled run, comfortably finishing ahead of Penn State’s Jake Palermo, who crossed the line in second place with a time of 45.25s.
The Nigerian star looked in complete control from start to finish as he secured automatic qualification for the next round and stamped his authority as one of the leading contenders for the NCAA title once again. His time was also the fastest overall performance recorded in the opening round of the East Regionals.
Ogazi, the reigning SEC champion and one of Nigeria’s brightest athletics talents, will return to the track on Friday for the quarterfinals, where he will aim to seal qualification for the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
The 20-year-old has continued his remarkable 2026 season in sensational fashion after previously setting a Nigerian national record of 44.02s earlier this year and claiming the NCAA Indoor 400m title with an African indoor record performance.
With his smooth progression through the heats in Kentucky, expectations continue to rise for another big performance from the Nigerian quarter-miler as he edges closer to another major collegiate final.
Ogazi’s 44.61s performance further underlines his growing reputation as one of the fastest 400m runners in the world this season.