By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Former Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Omatseye Nesiama, has secured another high-profile international assignment after being selected for the World Athletics and Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Mentoring Programme for Referees ahead of the 2026 African Championships in Accra, Ghana.
The respected athletics administrator and retired military officer is expected to take part in the elite programme scheduled to run alongside the continental championships from May 10 to 19, further strengthening Nigeria’s visibility in global athletics.
According to an official communication jointly issued by World Athletics and the CAA, the mentoring initiative is aimed at developing and strengthening the expertise of Technical Officials through practical competition exposure, educational sessions, and direct mentorship during one of Africa’s flagship athletics events.
Participants in the programme will also work closely with a World Athletics Gold Referee, who will provide advanced guidance on competition management, event organisation, and technical delivery.
Under the arrangement, World Athletics will sponsor Nesiama’s international flight, while the CAA will take responsibility for his accommodation throughout the duration of the championships in Ghana.
Nesiama is expected to contribute actively to officiating duties at the championships while engaging in high-level technical and mentoring sessions alongside other experienced referees and officials from across Africa.
The latest appointment comes shortly after his participation at the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana, where he served as an official, further affirming his growing relevance within international athletics technical circles.
Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most experienced athletics administrators, Nesiama has played a major role in the growth and development of track and field in the country through years of technical service and leadership.
His selection for the World Athletics mentorship programme is seen as another boost for Nigeria’s standing in international athletics administration as African athletics continues to align with evolving global technical standards.
