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Ezekiel Nathaniel ended Nigeria’s 38-year wait for a men’s 400m hurdles final with a 47.47s heat victory.
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He outpaced Qatar’s Ismail Abakar and USA’s Caleb Dean despite the tough Lane 8.
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Nathaniel will race Friday’s final from Lane 6, chasing a historic medal.
Ezekiel Nathaniel ended Nigeria’s 38-year wait for a place in the final of the men’s 400m hurdles at the World Athletics Championships by winning Heat 2 and posting the fastest qualifying time on Wednesday.
Also Read: Nigeria’s Nathaniel Claims First Diamond League 400m Hurdles Win
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Despite running from a testing Lane 8, he stayed composed, powered through the bends, and crossed in 47.47s.
In doing so, he pushed Qatar’s Ismail Abakar to a PB of 47.61s and left the USA’s Caleb Dean behind in 47.85s.
Importantly, Nathaniel is Nigeria’s record holder in the event, and therefore his performance matters not only today but for Nigeria’s future chances on the global stage.
Throughout the race, he also showed perseverance and tactical awareness, proving that he is capable of competing with the world’s finest.
For instance, Karsten Warholm of Norway, Rai Benjamin of the USA, and Alison Dos Santos of Brazil are still very much in the race for a podium finish, but Nathaniel’s form puts him in the driver’s seat.
Looking ahead, Ezekiel Nathaniel will run the final from Lane 6 on Friday, and with momentum on his side he now carries genuine hope for Nigeria’s first medal in the event since 1987.
Therefore, fans should follow the final closely, because his heat performance indicates this could be a breakthrough night.
See final line-up below:
