Former Athletics Federation of Nigeria technical director, Omatseye Nesiama has been appointed as one of the International Technical Officials, to serve on the Confederation of Africa Athletics ITO panel from 2018-2021.

Omatseye Nesiama

Nesiama, a retired Nigeria Navy Commodore is the second Nigerian to be appointed into that position.

“I am happy that my decision to take time to improve myself professionally, to break into frontiers Nigerians have hardly ventured into, has paid off.

“I feel honoured that my modest effort in the area of technical officiating and competition management is recognised, even after I have left as AFN Technical Director.

“I’m the first Nigerian to pass the pre-requisite examinations to get IAAF licence as Athlete Representative in one attempt, and I also passed the IAAF examination with distinction to qualify as an ITO.

“I stand to be corrected, but I think I am the second Nigerian in history who has been appointed into the panel, after Prof. Ogunjimi.

“By this, I will have the opportunity to bring my experience to bear on the organisation of competitions and mentoring of officials for enhanced performance, both in Nigeria and Africa.”