Nigeria’s Ezekiel Nathaniel has etched his name into the history books, storming into the men’s 400m hurdles final at the Tokyo 2025 World Championships.
His blistering run of 47.47s in the semifinals makes him the first Nigerian man to reach the event’s final in 38 years, since Henry Amike in 1987.
Ezekiel Nathaniel Delivers in Hurdles Semifinals
Drawn in the second semifinal heat, Nathaniel knew the stakes were high. The Nigerian record holder rose to the challenge, powering home in 47.47s, the fastest time across all three semifinals.
He crossed the line ahead of Qatar’s Ismail Abakar, who clocked a personal best of 47.61s, and the USA’s Caleb Dean, who finished third in 47.85s.
The performance not only secured Nathaniel’s spot in the final but also confirmed his place among the world’s elite hurdlers.
A Journey Into the Record Books
When Henry Amike last made the men’s 400m hurdles final at the World Championships in Rome back in 1987, Ezekiel Nathaniel had not even been born.
Nearly four decades later, the 20-year-old has reignited Nigeria’s presence on the global stage in one of track and field’s toughest events.
Nathaniel is now the second Nigerian man ever to qualify for a World Championships 400m hurdles final.
“I’m the new guy in the game” – Ezekiel Nathaniel
Nathaniel, who won his first-round heat in Tokyo with 48.37s, has been modest about his progress despite delivering some of the fastest times of his career this season.
After that heat victory, he described himself as the “new guy,” while acknowledging the quality of his rivals.
“Right now, they have their own experience and I have my own experience with them.”
“Right now, I would just say I’m the new guy in the game. You guys already see their potential.”
“You have not seen their potential yet. I’m just coming up. It’s been a long season since January.”
He explained how the demanding season has tested his endurance but also prepared him for the biggest stage.
“From Windows to Ardor, then to ProCircuit. We tried our best to take a small break, to take a small rest. We should have pushed through.”
“It’s been amazing. That’s how we’ve been able to manoeuvre all through the season.”
Nathaniel will line up in the men’s 400m hurdles final, aiming win Nigeria’s first-ever global medal in the event.
