Ezekiel Nathaniel, Nigeria’s promising 400m hurdles talent, made waves on September 18, 2025, at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The 22-year-old clocked 47.11 seconds in the final, securing fourth place and etching a new national record. Though he fell short of a medal, his effort marked a major step for Nigerian track and field.
Dramatic Podium Shift
The race turned tense when Rai Benjamin of the USA faced disqualification for a lane violation, temporarily awarding Nathaniel bronze.
However, Benjamin’s successful protest reinstated him to gold with his original time.
Brazil’s Alison dos Santos earned silver at 46.84 seconds, while Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba grabbed bronze in 47.06 seconds.
Experts hailed Nathaniel’s near-miss as a sign of his rising star.
Record-Breaking Legacy
Nathaniel’s 47.11 improved his earlier 2025 mark of 47.31 from the Kamila Skolimowska Memorial in Poland. Born in 2003, he races for Baylor University in Texas.
His journey began in 2022 as a freshman, when he shattered a 35-year-old Nigerian record held by Henry Amike (48.42 seconds from 1987) with a 48.42 at the Big 12 Conference in Lubbock, Texas.
Rapid Rise in College Track
Nathaniel’s ascent continued swiftly. In June 2025, he captured the NCAA Outdoor Championships title in Eugene, Oregon, with 47.49 seconds—his third record break and the third-best NCAA time ever.
He also became the first to dip under 48 seconds in an NCAA semifinal that year, hitting 47.86 seconds.
Future Bright for Nigerian Sprinting
At just 22, Nathaniel’s Tokyo showing boosts hopes for Nigeria in global events. His consistent improvements suggest medals ahead, inspiring young athletes back home.
RELATED LINKS:
Thomas Partey Pleads Not Guilty to Rape and Sexual Assault Charges
