Abuja: The World Athletics has appointed Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (Rtd.) as an International Starter for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar, Senegal. The appointment was confirmed in a message sent to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday by Nesiama.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the appointment is a recognition of Nesiama’s experience and technical expertise in athletics officiating at continental and international levels. Nesiama is the Chairman of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Technical and Development Commission and a member of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Technical and Competitions Commission.
He is also a former Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and a World Athletics-certified technical officials’ lecturer. Nesiama has officiated at several major athletics competitions, including the 2024 African Games in Accra, Ghana, where he served as a Referee.
He was also the Start Referee at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix and an Intern
ational Referee at the 2026 World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana. Nesiama became the first Nigerian to be appointed as a referee at the competition at the World Athletics Relays.
He has also officiated at several African Under-18, Under-20, and Senior Athletics Championships. His latest appointment further underscores the growing recognition of Nigerian technical officials in international athletics.
The appointment is expected to further strengthen Nigeria’s representation and contribution to athletics officiating at the global level.