Ezekiel Nathaniel has once again redefined excellence in Nigerian athletics. Competing at the Big 12 Championships, the dynamic hurdler blazed to a jaw dropping 47.90s in his season debut breaking his own Nigerian record for the fifth time in just three years. With this performance, he becomes the first Nigerian and only the eighth African in history to break the 48 second barrier in the 400m hurdles. It’s a feat that places him firmly among the continent’s elite, while also setting a new Big 12 Championship record and leading the NCAA list for 2025.
This new personal best is an improvement on his previous 48.00s doesn’t just rewrite national history books, it echoes across international ranks. Nathaniel is now the seventh fastest man in NCAA history over the distance and continues to hold the 8th spot on the African all time list. His blistering run makes him the fastest African in the event since 2016, showing his consistency and hunger for progress. That this came in his very first 400mH race of the season is a prove to his incredible preparation and rising dominance.
Ezekiel’s continued success is a beacon of hope for Nigerian track and field, especially in the often overlooked hurdles discipline. By repeatedly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, he’s inspiring a new generation of athletes to dream bigger and train harder. As the accolades keep piling up, there’s little doubt Ezekiel Nathaniel is rewriting records and reshaping the legacy of Nigerian athletics.