Ezekiel Nathaniel Sets World Lead, Breaks African Record in NCAA 400m
Ezekiel Nathaniel, the Nigeria record holder in the men’s 400m hurdles and Paris 2024 Olympics semifinalist, produced the fastest 400m time in the world this year at the Jarvis Scott Invite in Lubbock, Texas. His stunning 44.92s run not only secured him victory in his heat but also made history as the first African man to run a sub-45s indoor 400m, marking a significant milestone for both him and the NCAA in 2025.
Nathaniel Dominates the 400m with World-Leading Performance
In just his second race of the season, Nathaniel’s 44.92s clocking made waves globally, as he became the first athlete to finish under 45 seconds in the NCAA this year. Baylor Track and Field celebrated the remarkable feat, stating, “We’re living in Nate’s world. No. 1 time in the World. The first person in the NCAA to finish under 45 seconds in 2025,” via their official X account.
Additionally, the 21-year-old athlete delivered a jaw-dropping anchor leg for Baylor University’s men’s 400m team, clocking 44.37s as they finished in second place behind Texas Tech by mere milliseconds.
MORE NEWS
Enugu Rangers Halt Remo Stars’ Winning Streak with 2-1 Victory in NPFL
Calvin Bassey’s First Goal of the Season Propels Fulham to Victory Over Nottingham Forest
Wilfred Ndidi Linked with Atletico Madrid as Defensive Midfield Search Intensifies
Kanyinosla Ajayi Breaks Records at Tiger Paw Invitational
At the Tiger Paw Invitational in Clemson, Paris Olympics semifinalist Kanyinosla Ajayi set a new school record in the men’s 60m with a personal best of 6.51s. This performance secured him the second-fastest indoor time of all time at the event and tied him with Favour Ashe’s 2023 school record. The time also moved Ajayi up the Nigerian all-time list to fourth place, alongside Davidson Ezinwa.
The only Nigerians faster than Ajayi in the event are Deji Aliu (6.48s), Olusoji Fasuba (6.49s), and Tosin Ogunode (6.50s).
Chioma Nwachukwu and Ella Onojuvwevwo Shine at Tyson Invitational
In the women’s 400m at the Tyson Invitational, Nigerian quarter-milers Chioma Nwachukwu and Olympian Ella Onojuvwevwo stole the spotlight. Nwachukwu claimed victory with a personal best of 52.25s, stunning LSU’s Onojuvwevwo for the win. Nwachukwu’s time moved her to ninth on the Nigerian all-time list. Onojuvwevwo, who clocked a new personal best of 52.44s, finished in second.
Onojuvwevwo also showcased her talent in the 200m, finishing second overall with a time of 23.11s. At the same meet, Tima Godbless finished second in her 200m section with a time of 23.45s.
Other Nigerian Athletes Impress
Alaba Akintola impressed at the Music City Challenge in Tennessee, clocking a season’s best of 6.60s to finish second in the men’s 60m final. At the Don Kirby Elite meet in New Mexico, Prosper Ekporere set a new personal best of 7.68s to win the men’s 60m hurdles, becoming the second-fastest Nigerian in the event’s history, just behind Selim Nurudeen (7.64s). Ekporere also broke the Grand Canyon University school record.
