Team Nigeria’s Ezekiel Nathaniel produced a good run on Monday, winning his heat in the men’s 400m hurdles at the World Athletics Championships to advance to the semifinals.

He clocked 48.37 seconds, a display that marked him out as one of the athletes to watch as the competition progresses.

The 48.37s run combined speed with technical poise over the barriers, as Nathaniel maintained a smooth, powerful rhythm from the gun to the line.

His controlled hurdles technique and strong finish left spectators and coaches impressed and signalled his readiness to challenge deeper into the championships.

American Caleb Dean chased home Nathaniel in the same heat, crossing the line in 48.67s, while Brazil’s Francisco Dos Reis Viana posted a personal best of 48.69s to take third.

Nathaniel’s heat victory represents a major step in his career and boosts his medal hopes should he carry the form into the later rounds.

His NR currently ranks him fifth in the world, making him a top challenger for a medal in Tokyo.

If successful, it will make him Nigeria’s first medallist in the event in history. (The PUNCH)