Sports

Nathaniel hopes to inspire young Nigerians after feat

Published

7 months ago

September 20, 2025

Nigeria’s 400m hurdles sensation Ezekiel Nathaniel hopes his national record-breaking performance at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo will inspire young Nigerian athletes, despite narrowly missing out on a medal after finishing fourth.

The 22-year-old ran a scorching 47.11 seconds in Friday’s final, smashing his previous national record of 47.31 seconds set earlier this year and becoming only the second Nigerian since Henry Amike in 1987 to reach the 400m hurdles final at the World Championships.

“I hope this performance will inspire young Nigerian athletes,” Nathaniel said after the dramatic final.

“This is a great opportunity to learn from the world’s best athletes.”

The race saw American Rai Benjamin storm to victory in 46.52 seconds to finally clinch his first world championship gold medal after two silvers and a bronze, but not without drama.

Benjamin was initially disqualified for crashing into the final hurdle and affecting other athletes, briefly elevating Nathaniel to bronze position. However, the American’s appeal was quickly upheld and he was restored to the top of the timesheet.

Brazil’s Alison Dos Santos claimed silver in 46.84 seconds, while Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba took bronze in 47.06 seconds, leaving Nathaniel agonisingly close to Nigeria’s second medal of the championships.

Despite the near-miss, Nathaniel remained philosophical about the disqualification reversal.

“It’s a fair call,” the Nigerian said.

“He put in a lot of work to get that medal and if they are trying to rip off from that, I don’t think that’s fair. He didn’t deliberately knock over the hurdle, that could happen to anyone.”

The former 800m runner, who competes for Baylor University in Texas, expressed satisfaction with his performance and hinted at greater things to come saying, “I still have a lot of potential. I am pleased because I did my best and I ran a personal record. I have it in me and just need to wait for the right time. For now, I am enjoying the process.”

Nathaniel’s rapid rise in the event has been remarkable. Born in 2003, he broke a decades-old Nigerian record set by Henry Amike when he ran 48.42 seconds at the Big 12 Conference meet in 2022 as a freshman.

His progress accelerated dramatically this year. In June, he won the NCAA Outdoor Championships title in Eugene, Oregon, clocking 47.49 seconds – the third fastest time in NCAA history. He also became the first man in NCAA history to run a sub-48-second time in the 400m hurdles semifinal, recording 47.86 seconds.

The Tokyo performance adds another chapter to what has been an exceptional year for the young hurdler, who has now established himself among the world’s elite quarter-mile hurdlers.

While Nathaniel’s fourth-place finish matches Amike’s result from the 1987 World Championships in Rome, his national record performance signals a bright future for Nigerian athletics in the event.

Nigeria’s campaign in Tokyo concluded with Tobi Amusan as the country’s only medallist, though this still represented an improvement over the Budapest World Championships where Team Nigeria ended empty-handed.

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Sports

President Tinubu Hails Ejimofor Anosike After NBL Title Win

Published

13 minutes ago

April 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian-American basketball star, Ejimofor Anosike, for leading the Hong Kong Bulls to the 2026 National Basketball League championship.

Ejimofor Anosike powered the Bulls to the title and swept three individual honours, winning the Finals Most Valuable Player award, Best International Player award and Slam Dunk Champion title.

In a statement issued on Saturday, April 25, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the achievement as a source of pride for Nigeria and an inspiration to young athletes across Africa.

Tinubu praised the forward’s continued commitment to the national side, D’Tigers, despite his success abroad.

“I commend him for not allowing his successes on the international stage to overshadow his sense of patriotism, as evidenced by the passion he exhibits as a member of Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers,” Tinubu said.

“Anosike’s accomplishments reflect the growing global impact of Nigerians in sports and underscore the importance of continued investment in youth development and sporting excellence.”

The President added that the player’s exploits on the global stage have brought pride to the country and wished him even greater milestones in the years ahead.

Anosike, who holds dual Nigerian and American citizenship, remains a regular feature for the national basketball team.

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Sports

Ademola Lookman Ruled Out Of Bilbao Clash As Barcelona Eye Big LaLiga Gap

Published

20 minutes ago

April 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone, has confirmed that Nigerian winger, Ademola Lookman, will miss the home meeting with Athletic Bilbao at 8 p.m. later tonight, April 25.

Ademola Lookman picked up an adductor injury in last weekend’s Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Sociedad.

The 28-year-old Nigerian striker also sat out Tuesday’s loss to Elche CF. Hopes of a quick return have now been dashed.

“Ademola Lookman is not ready for tomorrow yet, it’s a good thing we took him off in the Copa final,” Simeone said.

Lookman is targeting a comeback for the first leg of Atletico’s UEFA Champions League semi-final against Arsenal on Wednesday, April 29.

In LaLiga, leaders Barcelona can move 11 points clear when they visit Getafe CF after Real Madrid were held 1-1 by Real Betis on Friday night, April 24.

Madrid looked set for victory after Vinicius Junior pounced on the rebound from Federico Valverde’s effort. But Hector Bellerin struck late to dent their title hopes, leaving them eight points adrift with five matches left.

Manager Alvaro Arbeloa also addressed the withdrawal of Kylian Mbappe during the match. The forward was replaced by Gonzalo Garcia in the 82nd minute while Madrid were still ahead.

“I don’t know. He had some discomfort, and we will see how he progresses in the coming days,” Arbeloa said.

Madrid now turn their attention to a meeting with Espanyol.

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Sports

Football World Mourns Demise Of Super Eagles Striker, Michael Eneramo

Published

26 minutes ago

April 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The football world is in mourning following the death of former Nigeria international Michael Eneramo, who collapsed during a local friendly match in Kaduna.

It was reports that Michael Eneramo fell on the pitch in Ungwan Yelwa on Friday morning, April 24, after playing the first half of the game. Early reports suggest the 40-year-old ex-Super Eagles forward suffered a cardiac arrest shortly after the restart.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the news, with general secretary Mohammed Sanusi expressing shock and sympathy.

“This is devastating. I am short of words at this moment. I can only pray that God will grant him eternal rest and also grant his loved ones and the Nigerian football family the fortitude to bear the loss,” Sanusi said.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) also paid tribute, stating, “A respected figure in Nigerian football, his impact on the game will not be forgotten. May his soul rest in peace.”

Eneramo built a strong reputation across Tunisia and Turkey, where he was widely admired for his power and finishing. He enjoyed legendary status at Espérance Sportive de Tunis, who led tributes on social media.

“It is with deep sadness that Espérance Sportive de Tunis bids farewell to one of its legends, Nigerian striker Michael Eneramo, who has just passed away,” the club wrote.

“Indeed, to God we belong and to Him we shall return. May God grant him eternal rest.”

Algerian side USM Alger added, “Farewell, Eneramo, and thank you for everything you gave to the club.”

Tributes also poured in from Turkey, where Eneramo played for Sivasspor, Beşiktaş, Galatasaray, Istanbul Başakşehir, Karabükspor and Istanbulspor.

Sivasspor said, “We have learned with profound sorrow of the passing of our former footballer Michael Eneramo.”

“He will always be remembered for the battles he fought under our red-and-white jersey. May our late player find mercy from God; we extend our condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Beşiktaş wrote, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Eneramo. We extend our condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Michael.”

Galatasaray added, “We are saddened to hear the passing of Michael Eneramo who played for multiple clubs in the Turkish Süper Lig.”

“Everyone at Galatasaray SK extends their condolences to his family, friends and the federation of Nigeria.”

Istanbulspor said, “We have learned with profound sorrow the news of the passing of Michael Eneramo, who previously wore the jersey of our national team. We wish him God’s mercy; and offer our condolences to his family, loved ones, and the football community.”

Turkish outlet Haber61 described him as a key figure in the country’s football history, noting he died following a heart attack.

Eneramo earned 10 caps for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, making his debut against Jamaica in London in 2009 and scoring his first international goal against the Republic of Ireland later that year. He also featured in World Cup qualifiers against Kenya and Tunisia, scoring a memorable goal in a 2-2 draw in Abuja.

At the club level, he remains the only Nigerian to score four goals in a single Algerian league match, a feat achieved against OMR El Annasser in 2005.

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