Ezekiel Nathaniel has etched his name in Nigerian athletics history by ending the nation’s 38-year absence from the men’s 400m hurdles final at the World Athletics Championships. On Wednesday, the 22-year-old quartermiler stormed to victory in Heat 2, clocking a remarkable 47.47 seconds — the fastest qualifying time of the round.
Before Nathaniel’s breakthrough, the last Nigerian to reach this stage was Henry Amike back in 1987 in Rome, Italy, where he eventually placed sixth with a time of 48.63 seconds.
That long wait is now over, and Nathaniel, who already holds the national record, has rekindled Nigeria’s hopes of a medal in one of track and field’s most grueling events.
Running from the difficult outer Lane 8, Nathaniel showcased composure and grit. He maintained his rhythm over the barriers and surged ahead of Qatar’s Ismail Abakar, who posted a personal best of 47.61 seconds, and the United States’ Caleb Dean, who finished third in 47.85 seconds.
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Nathaniel’s impressive form not only earned him a commanding win but also positioned him as a serious contender for a podium finish in Friday’s final.
However, the challenge will be fierce, as he faces some of the world’s best, including Olympic champion and world record holder Karsten Warholm of Norway, 2022 world champion Alison dos Santos of Brazil, and the ever-consistent American Rai Benjamin.
Drawn in Lane 6 for the title race, Nathaniel will be aiming to convert his historic qualification into an even greater achievement. This medal would mark one of Nigeria’s finest moments on the global athletics stage.
