Nigeria’s Ezekiel Nathaniel produced a commanding performance on Monday to qualify for the men’s 400m hurdles semifinal at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Japan.
Nathaniel, running in Heat 5 of the first round, clocked an impressive 48.37 seconds to finish first and secure automatic progression.
He outpaced American Caleb Dean, who placed second with 48.67 seconds, while Brazil’s Francisco Dos Reis Viana followed closely in third at 48.69 seconds.
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The 21-year-old hurdler’s victory underlines his growing reputation on the global stage as he continues to carry Nigeria’s hopes in the event.
Nathaniel, who represented Nigeria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 2023 World Athletics Championships, will now look to replicate his form in the semifinal as he targets a place in the final and possibly a podium finish.