Nigeria’s Ezekiel Nathaniel has etched his name into the history books after becoming the first Nigerian ever to win the men’s 400 metres hurdles title at the Commonwealth Games.
The 23-year-old produced a commanding performance to claim gold in the final at Scotstoun Stadium on Friday, crossing the finish line in 48.47 seconds to secure Nigeria’s breakthrough victory in the event.
Nathaniel held off a strong challenge from England’s Jake Minshull, who settled for the silver medal, while the bronze medal went to another finalist after an intensely contested race.
His victory further cements his status as one of the world’s leading 400m hurdlers after consistently performing at the highest level in recent seasons.
The historic triumph marks Nigeria’s first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medal in the men’s 400m hurdles since the country’s debut at the Games, adding another milestone to Team Nigeria’s athletics campaign in Glasgow.
Nathaniel, who holds the Nigerian record in the event and is ranked among the world’s elite, has continued his impressive rise with another landmark achievement for the country.
Earlier in his career, he established himself as one of Africa’s finest quarter-milers and hurdlers through record-breaking performances on the international circuit.
His latest success is expected to boost Team Nigeria’s medal tally and further inspire the country’s next generation of athletes as the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games draw toward their conclusion.
