Nathaniel becomes first Nigerian in 12 years to qualify for Olympics 400m hurdles semifinals

Nigeria’s 400m hurdles record holder, Nathaniel Ezekiel has become the first Nigerian in 12 years to qualify for the semifinals of the event at the Olympic Games.
Nathaniel ran 48.38 to place second in his first round heat behind Jamaica’s Roshawn Clarke (48.17).

The last Nigerian to run in the 400m hurdles semifinal was Amaechi Morton who was disqualified after the race at the London stadium in 2012.

The 21 year old will now be hoping to become the first man in 40 years to run in the final of the event after Henry Amike who placed eighth at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, USA.
In addition, Nathaniel will also be looking to break 48 seconds and become, in the process, the first Nigerian man to do so.

He broke Henry Amike’s 48.50 Nigerian record in May 2022 when he ran 48.42. He has now improved the record to 48.00 and will fancy his chances of achieving the historic feat at the biggest sporting stage on earth.

Meanhwile, Chidi Okezie’s bid to ensure Nigeria presents two teams in the men’s 400m semifinals like the country last did in 2008 was not successful as the 30 year old came last in 45.92 in the second of four Repechage round heats.

Saul Weigopwa and James Godday were the last pair of Nigerians to run in the semifinals of the event at the Olympics after Sunday Uti and Innocent Egbunike ran in the semifinals at the 1984 Olympics.

Okezie will now switch his focus to the men’s 4x400m relays which start on Friday morning.