Ezekiel shines in Diamond League debut, eyes historic medal in Tokyo
Nigerian 400m hurdles sensation Nathaniel Ezekiel made a bold statement on his Wanda Diamond League debut at the 2025 Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, finishing third in 47.88 seconds behind global titans Alison dos Santos (46.65) and Rai Benjamin (46.71).
The 22-year-old, fresh off a record-breaking NCAA season where he clocked 47.49s to win the national title and set a new Nigerian record, became the first Nigerian male 400m hurdler to compete in the Diamond League since its inception.
His performance in Eugene not only confirmed his place among the world’s elite but also solidified his status as a genuine medal contender for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September.
Ezekiel’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of remarkable. From running 53.83s in 2020 to consistently breaking 48 seconds in 2025—including four sub-48 performances—he has emerged as one of the most consistent and fearless hurdlers on the circuit.
His familiarity with the Hayward Field track, where he claimed NCAA glory, gave him a psychological edge in his professional debut.
With his Diamond League breakthrough, Ezekiel has not only etched his name into Nigerian athletics history but also ignited hopes of delivering Nigeria’s first-ever medal in the men’s 400m hurdles at a major global championship.
