Nigeria’s Ezekiel Nathaniel has received a major vote of confidence ahead of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, with a Kenyan official backing him to win a medal in the men’s 400m hurdles.
Speaking to Making of Champs at Narita International Airport, the Kenyan delegate said that while his first loyalty remained with his team, he admired Nathaniel’s talent and consistency.
“As much as I’m wishing my team all the best, I also wish Nigerian Nathaniel the 400m hurdles to get a medal — at least a medal, either gold, silver, or bronze — for the hard-working Nigerians,” he said.
Explaining his choice, the official noted: “I’ve seen him run a couple of races, and he has proven himself as one of the best over the years.”
Nathaniel, 22, is one of Africa’s brightest medal hopes. Earlier this summer, he broke his own Nigerian record with a 47.31s finish at the Silesia Diamond League, placing between world record-holder Karsten Warholm and Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba. That time currently ranks him fifth-fastest in the world.
The Baylor University graduate also dominated the American collegiate circuit, going unbeaten and producing the third-fastest time in NCAA history.
“I feel like I’m running fast right now, but I still have more in the tank,” Nathaniel told Diamond League media in August.
The Nigerian hurdler has already faced world-class rivals, including Alison dos Santos, Rai Benjamin, and Warholm, experiences he says have prepared him for the global stage.
The men’s 400m hurdles in Tokyo promises to be one of the marquee events, with Warholm entering as world leader at 46.28s, Benjamin as Olympic champion, and Dos Santos chasing another world crown.
The heats begin September 15, followed by the semi-finals on September 17 and the final on September 19. Nathaniel will be hoping to turn continental support and rising global reputation into Nigeria’s first-ever world medal in the event.
