Former Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (rtd), has added another milestone to his career after serving as Start Referee at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event. Nesiama, one of Africa's most respected athletics technical officials, will also play a key role at the World Relays in Gaborone on May 2 and 3, where he will serve as a referee.
Nesiama's Reflections on the Grand Prix
Speaking with The Guardian from Gaborone, Nesiama expressed his excitement about being part of the prestigious event. He acknowledged the support he received from many respected individuals back home. "I really appreciate everyone for the kind words and prayers. We are done and dusted with the Botswana Golden Grand Prix. The World Athletics team on the ground gave very good commendations, especially for running the competition right on time and working within the two-hour live broadcast window," he said.
Nesiama highlighted key lessons from the event, noting that despite being privately driven, only officials with at least a World Athletics-approved National Athletics Official (NAR) certification were allowed to officiate. He contrasted this with the situation in Nigeria, where unqualified officials often oversee high-level competitions. "In most cases, in Nigeria, we run high-level competitions with unqualified officials. It is shameful. These are some of the reasons we are unable to attract World Athletics interest when we bid for WA Series competitions. I have kept quiet for too long and have to start speaking out. Enough is enough of our mediocrity. I can be abused after this; I don’t care. I feel bad that people are asking me all the time why we can’t ensure our competitions are improved as we do outside. Very sad," Nesiama added.
Team Nigeria Departs for World Relays
Meanwhile, Team Nigeria has departed for the World Athletics Relay Championship in Gaborone, Botswana, with high hopes of securing qualification spots for major global competitions. The contingent, comprising 24 athletes, left yesterday via Ethiopian Airlines, with a stopover in Addis Ababa before arriving in Gaborone. The team will compete in all six relay events at the championship, which runs from May 2 to 3.
Team Nigeria’s advance party, headed by AFN Secretary Israel Inwang, had earlier landed in Botswana on Sunday. This year’s World Relays carries added significance, offering qualification pathways to both the World Athletics Championships in Beijing 2027 and the World Athletics Ultimate Championship. About 723 athletes from 40 countries are participating in the championships, with Team Nigeria focusing on delivering strong relay performances and securing valuable tickets.
