World Athletics Appoints Nesiama International Starter for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics
World Athletics has appointed former Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (Rtd.), as an International Starter for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
The appointment further underscores Nigeria’s growing presence and recognition in international athletics officiating, while highlighting Nesiama’s experience and technical expertise in the sport.
Nesiama, who currently chairs the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Technical and Development Commission, is also a member of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Technical and Competitions Commission. He is a World Athletics-certified technical officials’ lecturer.
Read Also: NDA Releases 78th Regular Course Admission List, Sets September 12 Reporting Deadline
His officiating credentials include serving as a referee at the 2024 African Games in Accra, Ghana, Start Referee at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix, and International Referee at the 2026 World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana.
At the World Athletics Relays, Nesiama made history as the first Nigerian appointed to officiate as a referee at the competition. He has also officiated at several African U18, U20 and Senior Athletics Championships.
His appointment to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games is another recognition of the growing capacity and credibility of Nigerian technical officials on the global athletics stage.
