The track at the Big 12 Championships bore witness to a seismic moment in Nigerian athletics history, as Ezekiel Nathaniel blazed to a jaw-dropping 47.90 seconds in the 400m hurdles, breaking barriers and setting new standards for the sport.
A Historic Barrier Broken
For decades, Nigeria has produced elite sprinters and hurdlers, but none had ever dipped below the mythical 48-second mark in the 400m hurdles. That changed on a sensational day in collegiate athletics when Ezekiel, running in his heat at the Big 12 Championships, clocked 47.90s, shattering the previous Nigerian national record of 48.00s—which he himself had set.
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This wasn’t just a personal best. It was a national milestone, a collegiate statement, and a continental achievement all wrapped in one incredible performance.
Setting the NCAA Pace
His time of 47.90s now leads the NCAA rankings, placing him at the top of collegiate athletics in the United States. It’s a statement of intent ahead of the NCAA finals and a warning shot to the global track community with Milan Cortina d’Ampezzo 2026 on the horizon.
Africa’s Fastest in 9 Years
Ezekiel’s blistering performance also places him 8th on the African all-time list, making him the fastest African in the 400m hurdles since 2015. That’s nearly a decade of African athletics history reset by a single, remarkable race.
At just 20 years old, the University of Baylor athlete is quickly becoming a trailblazer for Nigerian hurdling, showing that not only can Nigerians compete on the global stage—they can set the pace.
A New Era for Nigerian 400m Hurdling
Ezekiel Nathaniel isn’t just breaking records. He’s breaking through ceilings. His performance is not only a personal triumph but also a landmark moment that redefines what is possible for Nigerian hurdlers.
With the Olympics looming and his confidence at an all-time high, all eyes will now be on Ezekiel as he continues to surge through 2025.
Photo Credit: Makings of Champions Facebook Page
