Nigeria’s Ezekiel Nathaniel has etched his name into the country’s athletics history books after qualifying for the final of the men’s 400m hurdles at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. His feat ends Nigeria’s 38-year wait for a finalist in the event, following Henry Amike’s achievement at the 1987 World Championships in Rome.
Competing in the semi-finals on Wednesday, Nathaniel stormed to victory in Heat 2 with a time of 47.47 seconds, the fastest overall across the heats. The Nigerian star finished ahead of Qatar’s Ismail Abakar, who clocked a personal best of 47.61 seconds, and the United States’ Caleb Dean, who crossed the line in 47.85 seconds.
Despite being drawn in the difficult Lane 8, Nathaniel displayed remarkable composure and speed, powering through the curve and holding his form until the finish line. His performance not only secured him a place in the final but also reaffirmed his status as Nigeria’s current record holder in the event.
The last time Nigeria celebrated a finalist in the men’s 400m hurdles was in 1987 when Henry Amike advanced to the medal race, ultimately finishing sixth with a time of 48.63 seconds. Nathaniel’s qualification now revives hopes of Nigeria challenging for a medal in one of track and field’s most grueling events.
The upcoming final promises to be highly competitive, with world-class hurdlers such as Brazil’s Alison dos Santos, Norway’s world record holder Karsten Warholm, and the USA’s Rai Benjamin all confirmed in the line-up. Nathaniel will contest the race from Lane 6 on Friday, a middle lane that analysts say could favor his chances.
Speaking after his race, Nathaniel expressed confidence in his ability to rise to the occasion, acknowledging the stiff competition ahead while stressing that his focus would remain on executing his race strategy. Sports analysts also believe that his current form and mental strength position him as a potential medal contender.
His qualification has sparked excitement among Nigerian athletics fans and officials, who see his progress as a sign of renewed promise in the country’s track and field program. With Nigeria having struggled for podium finishes in recent global championships, Nathaniel’s breakthrough is being hailed as a much-needed boost for the nation’s athletics.
As he prepares for Friday’s final, all eyes will be on the 21-year-old hurdler to see if he can not only end Nigeria’s long absence in the event’s final but also step onto the medal podium against the world’s very best.
