Nigeria’s quest for another medal at the 2025 World Athletics Championships now rests on the shoulders of Ezekiel Nathaniel, the nation’s final competitor standing at the global track showpiece.
The 21-year-old Nigerian will compete in the men’s 400m hurdles final, a race loaded with world-class talent, as he aims to follow in the footsteps of Tobi Amusan, who already delivered silver in the women’s 100m hurdles earlier in the week.
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Nathaniel, ranked fifth in the world, steps into the spotlight with the weight of a nation’s hopes. He will run out of lane six, carrying a season’s best and lifetime personal best of 47.31 seconds, a time that confirms his place among the elite.
Star-Studded Lineup Awaits
The men’s 400m hurdles final has all the makings of one of the most competitive in championship history. Norwegian world record holder Karsten Warholm remains the favourite, boasting a season-best of 46.28 seconds. Close behind him is American star Rai Benjamin with a 46.54 season mark, while Brazil’s Alison dos Santos, an Olympic medallist, posted a 46.65 earlier this year.
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Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba and Germany’s Emil Agyekum also line up in a field stacked with world-class performers, ensuring that Nathaniel will need to deliver the race of his life to reach the podium.
A Moment of National Significance
Beyond chasing personal glory, Nathaniel’s presence in this final carries historic weight for Nigeria. The country last appeared in a men’s 400m hurdles final 38 years ago. His qualification not only breaks that long drought but also rekindles memories of Nigeria’s golden moments in global athletics.
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Despite the magnitude of the task ahead, Nathaniel has shown resilience and composure throughout the rounds. Each stride has reflected determination, leaving Nigerian fans hopeful that their young star could produce something special under the bright lights.
“The goal is clear,” Nathaniel said ahead of the final. “I want to give my best for Nigeria and make history on this stage.”
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The men’s 400m hurdles final is set for Friday, September 19, at 21:15 local time (1:15 pm Nigerian time). For Nigerian athletics fans, all eyes will be on Nathaniel as he takes his shot at global recognition and perhaps a medal that could etch his name into the nation’s sporting history.
