At just 21 years old, Nigerian hurdler Ezekiel Nathaniel is fast emerging as a prominent figure in global athletics, attracting attention for his exceptional speed, technique, and consistency on the track.
Historic Record-Breaking Performance in Tokyo
In Tokyo, Nathaniel delivered a sensational performance in the men’s 400m hurdles final, clocking a national record of 47.11 seconds and finishing in fourth place. This remarkable feat marked the first time a Nigerian man reached the 400m hurdles final at a major international event since Henry Amike did so in the 1980s.
Throughout the race, Nathaniel displayed incredible composure, staying with the leading pack while demonstrating flawless hurdle technique. Although he narrowly missed out on a medal, his performance was historic for Nigerian athletics, solidifying his position as one of the nation’s top emerging talents.
Nathaniel’s 47.11-second finish also ranks him among the top five African hurdlers of all time and places him within the global top five for 2025, highlighting his rapid rise on the international stage and his potential to dominate future competitions.
Facing the World’s Elite
The Tokyo final was intensely competitive, with the world’s best hurdlers vying for podium finishes. Rai Benjamin of the United States claimed gold with 46.52 seconds, Brazil’s Alison Dos Santos earned silver in 46.84 seconds, and Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba secured bronze with 47.06 seconds.
Nathaniel crossed the finish line just 0.05 seconds behind Samba, demonstrating that he can compete toe-to-toe with the world’s elite. Analysts have praised his aggressive yet measured approach to the race, noting that his technical efficiency over the hurdles is a major factor in his ability to remain competitive at this level.
His remarkable Tokyo performance has set a new benchmark for Nigerian hurdlers and has raised expectations for future global competitions, signaling that the country has a world-class athlete capable of achieving international success.
A Year of Growth and Consistency
The 2025 season has been a breakthrough year for Nathaniel. He captured the NCAA Outdoor 400m hurdles title, earned a spot in the NCAA Top 10 All-Time list, and delivered multiple top-three finishes on the Diamond League circuit. These achievements underline his consistency and competitiveness, proving that his Tokyo performance was part of a pattern of sustained excellence rather than an isolated accomplishment.
Nathaniel’s season-long performances reflect his dedication, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence, showing that he is fully capable of competing at the highest levels of international athletics. His rapid ascent also indicates that Nigeria has a formidable hurdler who could secure medals and break records in the years to come.
Inspiration for Nigerian Athletics
Beyond his personal achievements, Nathaniel’s success serves as an inspiration for young Nigerian athletes, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and discipline, it is possible to compete with the best in the world. His journey highlights the potential within Nigeria’s track and field programs and reinforces the importance of nurturing young talents to achieve global recognition.
As Nathaniel continues to develop, the athletics community will be watching closely, anticipating more record-breaking performances and podium finishes on the international stage. His Tokyo achievement is just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career for the young Nigerian hurdler.
With his combination of speed, technical skill, and competitive spirit, Ezekiel Nathaniel is not only shaping his legacy but also elevating the profile of Nigerian athletics on the world stage, ensuring that the country remains a force to be reckoned with in track and field competitions for years to come.