IGP Disu Hails Corporal Ezekiel Nathaniel After Commonwealth Games Gold

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Olatunji Disu, has congratulated Police Corporal Ezekiel Nathaniel after the Nigerian athlete won gold in the men's 400-meter hurdles at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, describing the achievement as a proud moment for both the Nigeria Police Force and the country.

Nathaniel claimed the Commonwealth title after producing another impressive performance in Glasgow, adding the gold medal to an outstanding season that has established him as one of the world's leading 400m hurdlers.

The 23-year-old, who holds Nigeria's national record of 47.11 seconds, has steadily risen through the ranks after competing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and representing the country at major international championships.

In a congratulatory message released on Sunday, Disu praised the athlete's achievement and his dedication to duty as a police officer.

"On behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, I congratulate Corporal Ezekiel Nathaniel on his historic gold medal win in the 400m hurdles at the 2026 Commonwealth Games," the police chief said.

He added: "You have shown the world that our officers excel both in service and in sport.

"The Nigeria Police Force is proud of you and celebrates this outstanding achievement, which has brought honour to the Force and to our great nation."

Nathaniel's victory has attracted praise from across Nigeria's sporting community, with many describing the medal as one of the country's biggest achievements at the Games.

Before the competition, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria had expressed confidence that its blend of experienced stars and emerging athletes would deliver a strong medal haul in Glasgow, with Nathaniel among the country's brightest hopes.

The Baylor University athlete has enjoyed a remarkable rise in recent years, winning on the Diamond League circuit and consistently competing among the world's elite.

His latest triumph further strengthens Nigeria's athletics legacy at the Commonwealth Games while underscoring the growing impact of homegrown talent on the global stage.