Sports
Nigerian blazes to historic 400m hurdles final
The fresh Baylor University graduate stormed to victory in the second semi-final, clocking 47.47s, the fastest time of all the three semi-finals, to secure his place in Friday’s showpiece.
Nathaniel crossed the line ahead of Qatar’s Ismail Doudai Abakar, who ran a personal best of 47.61, while American Caleb Dean finished third in 47.85.
Despite recording a slower reaction time off the blocks compared to his closest rivals, he produced a strong middle phase and surged clear over the final two hurdles. His powerful finish left Abakar and Dean trailing, while Jamaica’s Malik James-King and Brazil’s Matheus Lima could not keep pace despite season-best performances.
It was Nigerian’s second-fastest time ever, just behind his 47.31s national record he set exactly a month ago, which means he now occupies the top 16 of the country’s top list.
This achievement comes after two consecutive heartbreaks at the semi-final stage in previous editions of the World Championships in Oregon and Budapest, making his breakthrough in Tokyo all the more significant.
He is only the second Nigerian after Henry Amike to reach a World Championships final in the 400 metres hurdles. Amike achieved the feat in Rome in 1987, long before Nathaniel was born, and the young hurdler will now aim to surpass Amike’s fourth-place finish by becoming the first Nigerian to win a medal in the event.
Success in the final would also deliver Nigeria’s second podium in Tokyo, following Tobi Amusan’s silver in the women’s sprint hurdles.
In the other semi-finals, Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba edged past world record holder Karsten Warholm of Norway in 47.63s, with Warholm clocking 47.72s and Germany’s Emil Agyekum setting a personal best of 47.83s.
The final heat was won by American Rai Benjamin in 47.95s, with Brazil’s Olympic champion Alison dos Santos second in 48.16s and Qatar’s Bassem Hemeida producing a lifetime best of 48.29s for third.
Nathaniel’s qualification has placed him among the world’s best in a final that will also feature Warholm, Benjamin and dos Santos, a trio often described as the dominant forces of the discipline with the ‘Big 3’ tag.
The 22-year-old has been touted as one of the stars to keep an eye on in the event, also had few but punchy words for the established names.
“I’m not going to say too much. We have seen their potential, and I’m still scratching the surface, so they better be ready,” he told Making of Champions.
By running the fastest semi-final time, He has signalled that he is ready to challenge them and compete for a place on the podium.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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