In a groundbreaking achievement for Nigerian athletics, Ezekiel Nathaniel has made headlines by qualifying for the final of the men’s 400 metres hurdles at the World Athletics Championships (WAC) in Tokyo. This momentous event marks the first time a Nigerian man has reached this stage in the competition since Henry Amike accomplished the feat in 1985, ending a lengthy 38-year absence from the finals.
The 22-year-old reigning NCAA champion has become a household name in the sporting world, and his latest performance in the semifinals further cemented his reputation as a formidable competitor. On Wednesday, Nathaniel clocked an impressive time of 47.47 seconds in the second of three semi-final heats, demonstrating remarkable prowess and determination.
From the outset of the race, Nathaniel displayed exceptional speed and agility, taking an early lead and ensuring his competitors could not catch up. Qatari runner Ismail Doudai Abakar finished closely behind in second place with a personal best of 47.61 seconds, while American athlete Caleb Dean rounded out the top three with a time of 47.85 seconds. The heat also featured commendable performances from Jamaica’s Malik James-King, Brazil’s Matheus Lima, Kenya’s Wiseman Were Mukhobe, Sweden’s Oskar Edlund, and Spain’s Jesús David Delgado.
Nathaniel’s journey has been nothing short of spectacular. Earlier in the competition, he showcased his talent by finishing ahead of Dean and Brazil’s Francisco Dos Reis Viana during the heats with a time of 48.37 seconds. This early success hinted at his potential to disrupt the established hierarchy at this prestigious event.
As he gears up for the final scheduled for Friday, September 19, Nathaniel is not just aiming for personal glory; he is set on making history by becoming the first Nigerian and the fifth African athlete to step onto the podium at the World Championships. His remarkable journey has ignited hope and excitement among fans and aspiring athletes across Nigeria and beyond, as the nation looks forward to witnessing whether Nathaniel Ezekiel will bring home a medal and further etch his name into the annals of athletics history.
