Ezekiel Smashes Nigerian Record, Finishes Second to Warholm in Silesia Showdown
Nigeria’s Nathaniel Ezekiel delivered a career-defining performance at the Wanda Diamond League meeting in Silesia, Poland, storming to a new national record of 47.31 seconds in the men’s 400m hurdles.
The 22-year-old finished second behind Norway’s Karsten Warholm, the reigning world record holder and Olympic champion, who clocked a blistering 46.28 seconds — the fastest time in the world this year.
Ezekiel’s run shattered his previous Nigerian record of 47.49s, set at the NCAA Championships earlier this summer, and confirmed his status as one of the rising stars in global athletics.
Despite the heroic effort, Ezekiel narrowly missed out on automatic qualification for the Diamond League Final in Zurich, sitting just outside the top eight in the standings.
Unless granted a wildcard, he will not compete in Zurich — but his performance in Silesia has sent a clear message ahead of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo next month.
No Nigerian — male or female — has ever stood on the podium in the 400m hurdles at either the World Championships or the Olympic Games, but Ezekiel’s trajectory suggests he could be the first.
His dominance in the U.S. collegiate circuit, where he became only the second Nigerian to win an NCAA title in the event, has translated seamlessly to the professional stage.
Ezekiel’s run in Silesia was not just a personal milestone; it was a statement of intent. With Tokyo 2025 looming, the young hurdler has proven he belongs among the sport’s elite and is a genuine medal contender.
