Nigeria’s Ezekiel Nathaniel has written his name into the history books, becoming the first Nigerian man in 37 years to reach the final of the men’s 400 metres hurdles at the World Athletics Championships.

The 22-year-old delivered a commanding performance in the semifinals in Tokyo on Wednesday, leading from gun to tape to win his race in 47.47 seconds — one of the fastest times of the day and a clear statement of intent ahead of Friday’s final.

Qatar’s Ismail Doudai Abakar followed in 47.61 seconds with a personal best, while American Caleb Dean secured third in 47.85.

Nathaniel, who had already impressed in the heats with a smooth 48.37 run, now heads into the final as one of the event’s most in-form athletes and a serious medal contender.

“This is a proud moment not just for me but for Nigeria,” Nathaniel said after the race. “I came here to compete with the best in the world, and now I get the chance to fight for a medal.”

His qualification marks Nigeria’s first appearance in a men’s 400m hurdles final at the World Championships since Henry Amike achieved the feat at the 1987 edition in Rome — a historic moment that has fired up expectations back home.

The final, scheduled for Friday, September 19 at 1:15 p.m., is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Nathaniel will face Olympic champion Karsten Warholm, world number two Rai Benjamin, and Brazil’s Alison dos Santos, ranked third globally.

In other semifinals, Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba stunned Warholm with a late burst to win the opening race in 47.63, while Benjamin cruised to victory in the third semifinal with 47.95.

Nathaniel will be looking to join compatriot Tobi Amusan, who already secured a silver medal in the women’s 100m hurdles earlier this week, in adding to Nigeria’s medal tally in Tokyo.