Former Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (rtd), at the weekend, added another feather to his cap after serving as Start Referee at Botswana Golden Grand Prix (World Athletics Continental Tour Gold).

Nesiama, one of the highest-ranked athletics technical officials in Africa, will also be the centre of action next week at the World Relays in Gaborone, on May 2 and 3. He will serve as a referee.

Speaking with The Guardian from Gaborone, yesterday, Nesiama, whose tenure as AFN Technical Director produced the likes of Tobi Amusan, Ese Brume and Divine Oduduru, expressed excitement in being part of the Botswana Golden Grand Prix.

“I really appreciate everyone for the kind words and prayers I received from many respected persons back home. We are done and dusted with the Botswana Golden Grand Prix. World Athletics Team on the ground gave very good commendations, especially to us, for running the competition right on time and thus worked within the two-hour live broadcast time given. A lesson for us.

“Another thing is that despite the meet being a private-driven meet, no one who does not have at least a World Athletics-approved National Athletics official (NAR) certification is allowed to officiate.

“In most cases, in Nigeria, we run high-level competitions with unqualified officials. It is shameful. These are some of the reasons we are unable to attract World Athletics (WA) interest when we bid for WA Series competitions. I have kept quiet for too long and have to start speaking out going forward. Enough is enough of our mediocrity. I can be abused after this; I don’t care. I feel bad that people are asking me all the time why we can’t ensure our competitions are improved as we do outside. Very sad,” Nesiama said.

Meanwhile, Team Nigeria has departed for the World Athletics Relay Championship in Gaborone, Botswana, with high hopes of securing qualification spots for major global competitions.

The contingent, made up of 24 athletes, left yesterday via Ethiopian Airlines, with a stopover in Addis Ababa before arriving in Gaborone.

The team will compete in all six relay events at the championship, which runs from May 2 to 3.

Team Nigeria’s advance party, headed by AFN Secretary, Israel Inwang, had earlier landed in Botswana on Sunday.

This year’s World Relays carries added significance, offering qualification pathways to both the World Athletics Championships in Beijing 2027 and the World Athletics Ultimate Championship.

About 723 athletes from 40 countries are participating in the championships, with Team Nigeria focusing on delivering strong relay performances and securing valuable tickets.