Nathaniel Ezekiel edges closer to becoming first-ever Bowerman winner from Nigeria

Nathaniel Ezekiel edges closer to Becoming first-ever Bowerman winner from Nigeria

In a monumental stride for Nigerian athletics, Baylor University’s Nathaniel Ezekiel has been named a semifinalist for The Bowerman—the most prestigious individual honor in U.S. collegiate track and field—putting him on the verge of becoming the first Nigerian student-athlete ever to win the award in NCAA history.

The USTFCCCA’s 2025 Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year dazzled throughout his senior season, culminating in a jaw-dropping 47.49 performance at the NCAA Outdoor Championships to clinch the 400m hurdles title. That time stands as the No. 3 mark in collegiate history, capping a legacy-defining year for the Delta State native.

Ezekiel has spent the most time on the Bowerman watchlist among the current semifinalists, second only to North Carolina’s Ethan Strand. He is just the third Baylor athlete to reach this stage—joining elite company alongside KC Lightfoot (2021) and Trayvon Bromell (2014, 2015). But no Nigerian athlete—male or female—has ever won The Bowerman since its inception in 2009.

Beyond his NCAA title, Ezekiel leaves an indelible mark as the only athlete in collegiate history with four appearances on the all-time top ten list in the 400m hurdles. He was also the narrowest of runner-ups in the indoor 400m final this season—missing gold by just 0.01 seconds.

As the Bowerman finalists will be revealed on July 8, with fan voting from July 8–10, Ezekiel stands not just as a contender, but as a symbol of possibility—for Baylor, for Nigeria, and for the rising global presence in collegiate track and field.

Should he claim the trophy on December 18 in Texas, it would mark a historic first for Nigeria—and a crowning moment in an unforgettable career.