AFCON 2025
In a thrilling turn of events at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Nigerian hurdler Ezekiel Nathaniel has been awarded the bronze medal in the men’s 400m hurdles following a dramatic disqualification of American star Rai Benjamin.
The moment, captured in a jubilant image by the Making of Champions account on X, shows Nathaniel beaming with pride in his green Nigerian kit.
The race initially saw Benjamin cross the finish line first with an impressive time of 46.52 seconds, but chaos ensued when officials disqualified him for displacing a hurdle, which impacted another athlete.
This ruling upgraded Nathaniel to the bronze position with his Nigerian record time of 47.11 seconds, marking a historic achievement as the first Nigerian man to reach the event’s final since 1987.
The decision sparked immediate controversy, with Benjamin’s team appealing. The atmosphere at Tokyo’s National Stadium was electric as fans and athletes processed the unexpected outcome.
Nathaniel’s joy reflects not just personal triumph but also a moment of pride for Nigeria, despite the sport’s ongoing challenges.
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