World Relays Referee appointment: Nesiama towers above the rest, heads to Gaborone
By Uzor Odigbo
Nigeria will be at the center of decision-making when the world’s fastest relay teams hit the tracks in Gaborone, Botswana, in May.
This becomes a positive reality as Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (rtd) has been named International Referee for the World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26, becoming the first Nigerian in history to officiate at this prestigious global event.
The World Athletics Relays, slated for May 2–3, rank among the most elite competitions on the international athletics calendar.
For Nigeria, Nesiama’s selection signals more than mere representation—it represents recognition and a further boost to the country’s image globally.
The Local Organising Committee confirmed his appointment, citing his proven expertise and the confidence World Athletics has in his ability to maintain integrity, precision, and professionalism at the highest level of the sport.
For those familiar with his body of work, this milestone feels like a natural progression.
At the 2024 African Games in Accra, Nesiama served as Referee, overseeing technical operations with distinction at one of Africa’s largest sporting gatherings.
His role extended beyond the field of play, as he was also engaged by World Athletics as a certified lecturer to prepare Ghanaian technical officials ahead of the Games—a testament to his standing within global athletics structures.
His administrative influence at home remains equally significant.
A former Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Nesiama now chairs the Technical and Development Commission of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), where he continues to shape the technical direction of Nigerian sport.
At the continental stage, he is an active member of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Technical and Competitions Commission, contributing to the standardization and growth of athletics competitions across Africa.
Over the years, he has worn many hats—including Sports Management Consultant, Competition Director, Technical Delegate, Silver Level Referee, and World Athletics lecturer—building a career defined by structure, discipline, and global credibility.
Ahead of the World Relays, he will also officiate at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix, a key preparatory meet serving as a test event for the global championship.
The assignment further underscores the level of trust placed in his experience.
As African athletics continues to push for greater representation in global sports governance, Nesiama’s appointment stands as a breakthrough moment.
This reinforces Nigeria’s growing footprint—not only in producing elite athletes but also in supplying world-class technical expertise.
In Gaborone, the baton exchanges will be swift and decisive.
Behind the scenes, so too will be the steady hand of a Nigerian official making history.
