Ajayi Finishes Fourth in 100m as Nathaniel Reaches 400m Hurdles Final in Budapest

Team Nigeria recorded a mixed outing at the World Ultimate Championship in Budapest, with Kayinsola Ajayi narrowly missing out on a podium finish in the men’s 100m while Ezekiel Nathaniel progressed to the final of the 400m hurdles.

Ajayi clocked 9.93 seconds in the 100m final to finish fourth, matching the time recorded by American Ronnie Baker, who secured third place. The Nigerian had earlier booked his place in the final after placing third in his semifinal in 10.00 seconds.

Kenny Bednarek, who won Ajayi’s semifinal in 9.94 seconds, went on to claim the gold medal in the final after crossing the line in 9.85 seconds.

Jamaica’s Oblique Seville finished second in 9.90 seconds, while Baker took third ahead of Ajayi on the same time.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel secured his place in the men’s 400m hurdles final after finishing second in his semifinal in 47.75 seconds.

Read Also: Amusan, Ajayi, Others Lead Nigeria To First World Athletics Ultimate Championship

The Nigerian, Africa’s leading representative in the event, finished behind Norway’s Karsten Warholm, who won the semifinal in 47.68 seconds.

Nathaniel’s 47.75-second effort ranks as the fourth-fastest qualifying time heading into the final.