Team Nigeria’s quest for a medal in the men’s 400m received a massive boost on Thursday as Samuel Ogazi and Edidiong Okon Udo both booked places in the final of the event at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The duo produced composed and confident performances in their respective semi-finals to keep Nigeria firmly in contention for one of the most coveted medals on the track.
Ogazi was in sensational form in Semi-final One, storming to victory in 44.52 seconds, the fastest time of all three semi-finals. The Nigerian finished comfortably ahead of Botswana’s Lee Bhekempilo Eppie (45.26), who claimed the second automatic qualifying spot.
Jamaica’s Zandrion Barnes (45.38) finished third, while South Africa’s Lythe Pillay (45.87) and Trinidad and Tobago’s Jaden Marchan (45.89) were left to wait on qualification by time.
If Ogazi’s performance underlined his medal credentials, Edidiong Okon Udo ensured Nigeria would have a second finalist after an eventful Semi-final Three.
The race was won by Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards in 45.06 seconds, while Jamaica’s Antonio Watson, who crossed the line second, was later disqualified, elevating Udo’s position after he clocked 45.55 seconds in another composed run.
His qualification means Nigeria will have two athletes in the men’s 400m final, significantly boosting the country’s chances of returning to the Commonwealth podium in one of athletics’ premier events.
Earlier, Semi-final Two was won by Australia’s Thomas Reynolds (45.63) ahead of Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga (45.95), while Canada’s Christopher Morales Williams (45.99) narrowly missed automatic qualification.
Ogazi enters the final as one of the standout performers after posting the quickest qualifying time, a performance that further strengthens his reputation as one of the brightest young quarter-milers in the Commonwealth.
The Nigerian has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past two seasons, consistently producing world-class times and establishing himself among the country’s brightest prospects ahead of the 2028 Olympic cycle.
For Team Nigeria, the qualification of both athletes adds to what has already been an encouraging day on the track.
Earlier, Ella Onojuvwevwo booked her place in the women’s 400m final, while Tobi Amusan cruised into tonight’s women’s 100m hurdles final after producing the fastest women’s 100m hurdles performance ever recorded at the Commonwealth Games under any conditions.
With two men in the 400m final and one woman also chasing a podium finish, Nigeria’s hopes of adding to its impressive medal haul remain very much alive.
Now, all eyes turn to the final, where Samuel Ogazi and Edidiong Okon Udo will bid to turn impressive qualifying performances into Commonwealth Games medals and continue Nigeria’s memorable campaign in Glasgow.
