Oloruntobi Alabi
Nigerian sprinter Ezekiel Nathaniel has left an indelible mark in athletics at the Tokyo 2025 World Championships, delivering a historic performance in the 400m hurdles.
The 21-year-old shattered Nigeria’s national record, clocking an astonishing 47.11 seconds to secure fourth place in a fiercely competitive final.
Initially, Nathaniel was elevated to bronze medal position when Rai Benjamin, the American favorite, was disqualified for stepping out of his lane. However, following a successful appeal, Benjamin’s winning time of 46.54 seconds was reinstated, moving Nathaniel back to fourth.
Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba claimed bronze with 47.06 seconds, just 0.05 seconds ahead of the Nigerian, while Brazil’s Alison dos Santos secured silver in 46.84 seconds.
Although narrowly missing the podium, Nathaniel’s electrifying run has cemented his place among hurdling’s elite and ignited hopes for Nigeria’s future in global track and field.
Omotayo Fashola
