Ezekiel Nathaniel’s Breakthrough Season in the 400m Hurdles
The 2025 season witnessed the remarkable emergence of Ezekiel Nathaniel onto the world stage as a dominant force in the 400m hurdles. While Nathaniel had been a presence in Nigerian athletics for a few years, this season marked his definitive breakthrough, punctuated by numerous achievements. He shattered the African indoor record twice and repeatedly broke the Nigerian national record. His collegiate success culminated in winning the NCAA title, while his prowess on the international circuit was confirmed by securing a Diamond League medal. The highlight of his season was a fourth-place finish in the World Athletics Championships final in Tokyo, where he clocked an impressive 47.11 seconds, further cementing his national record. This performance marked a historic moment, as he became the first Nigerian man in 38 years to reach the 400m hurdles final at the World Championships, a feat complemented by his bronze medal in the Diamond League Final.
Tobi Amusan’s Silver Lining at the World Championships
Tobi Amusan, the world record holder in the 100m hurdles, entered the 2025 World Championships with a mission to reaffirm her dominance. Despite the pressure, she delivered a silver medal, Nigeria’s sole medal at the championships, showcasing her resilience and skill. Amusan’s time of 12.29 seconds in the final secured her first global medal since the 2023 Diamond League final. Although narrowly edged out by Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, who set a national record of 12.24 seconds, Amusan’s performance solidified her position among Nigeria’s athletic elite. Her journey leading up to the championships included setting a meet record of 12.45 seconds at the Rabat Diamond League and achieving her season’s best time of 12.24 seconds in Paris, reaffirming her status as a world-class hurdler. This silver medal places her in illustrious company alongside Blessing Okagbare and Ese Brume as the only Nigerians with two World Championships medals.
Konyinsola Ajayi’s Sprint Sensation and Historic Final Appearance
Konyinsola Ajayi’s meteoric rise in sprinting continued in 2025, culminating in a historic appearance in the men’s 100m final at the World Championships. While a debut in 2023 remained elusive, his 2025 performance proved worth the wait. Although finishing sixth in the final with a time of 10.00 seconds, Ajayi’s journey was filled with remarkable achievements. His semi-final run of 9.93 seconds marked his sixth sub-10s race, establishing his consistency at the highest level. In the heats, he exploded onto the scene with a personal best of 9.88 seconds, catapulting him to the position of the third-fastest Nigerian sprinter in history, trailing only Olusoji Fasuba and Divine Oduduru. His final appearance was a significant milestone, marking the first time a Nigerian had reached the men’s 100m final in 18 years, since Olusoji Fasuba’s appearance in 2007.
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi’s Consistent Excellence in Shot Put
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi continued to represent Nigeria with distinction in the shot put, consistently performing at the highest level of global competition. His fifth-place finish in the World Championships final in Tokyo, with a best throw of 21.52m, marked his third consecutive global final, highlighting his remarkable consistency. His pre-championship form was equally impressive, as he rewrote the African record at the 2025 Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, with a stunning throw of 22.10m. This achievement made him the first African to surpass the 22-meter barrier in the men’s shot put, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in African athletics. His consistent excellence is further underscored by holding seven of the top ten African all-time marks in the event.
Israel Okon’s Promising Debut on the World Stage
Despite not reaching the men’s 100m final in Tokyo, 18-year-old Israel Okon, Nigeria’s youngest competitor at the championships, made a strong impression in his debut World Championship appearance. He showcased his potential by winning his heat with a time of 10.04 seconds, outpacing more experienced competitors such as Britain’s Zharnel Hughes and Olympic champion Lamont Jacobs. While his semi-final run of 10.14 seconds fell short of a final berth, it provided valuable experience against a formidable field that included eventual world champion Oblique Seville. Okon’s performance marked him as a rising star in Nigerian sprinting, with the potential to break the 10-second barrier in the near future.
Nigeria’s Rising Stars and Future Prospects
Beyond the standout performances of these athletes, the 2025 season showcased the depth and promise of Nigerian athletics. The ten other athletes who competed in Tokyo represent the growing talent pool within the country. Notable mentions include Temitope Adeshina, who captured the NCAA indoor high jump title, and Tima Godbless, who broke the 11-second barrier in the 100m. Other rising stars, such as Olaolu Olatunde and Charles Godfred, demonstrated their potential on the NCAA circuit. These emerging talents, alongside the established stars, point to a bright future for Nigerian athletics on the global stage.
