Nathaniel, Onwuzurike miss World Ultimate Champs windfall

Nigerian record-holder in the 400m hurdles Ezekiel Nathaniel and sprinter Udodi Onwuzurike missed out on podium places and the accompanying prize money at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, Hungary, on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Onwuzurike finished eighth in the men’s 200m final in 20.45 seconds, with American Kenny Bednarek winning in a world-leading 19.52 seconds.

Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo finished second in 19.76 seconds, while American Courtney Lindsey was third in 19.79 seconds.

Nathaniel also finished sixth in the men’s 400m hurdles final, clocking 48.23 seconds.

Brazil’s Alison dos Santos won the event in 45.98 seconds, ahead of American Rai Benjamin, who ran 46.40 seconds, and Norway’s Karsten Warholm, who finished third in 46.78 seconds.

The duo’s results on the final day meant Tobi Amusan was the only Nigerian athlete to claim a podium finish in Budapest.

Amusan pocketed $75,000 after finishing second in the women’s 100m hurdles final on Friday.

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The Nigerian clocked 12.34 seconds to finish behind American Masai Russell, who won in 12.22 seconds to claim the $150,000 top prize.

Nigerian record-holder Kayinsola Ajayi narrowly missed out on the podium in the men’s 100m final on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Ella Onojuvwevwo, Nigeria’s final athlete in action at the championship, failed to qualify for the women’s 400m final.

Nigeria’s mixed 4x100m relay team also failed to compete after visa issues disrupted the travel plans of three members of the team.

The inaugural championship boasts the richest prize pot in the history of athletics, with $10m up for grabs for the athletes competing.

The winner of each individual event will pocket $150,000, while the runner-up will earn $75,000 and the third-place finisher $40,000. In the relay events, the winning team will share an $80,000 prize.