World Athletics has appointed retired Commodore Omatseye Nesiama as an International Starter for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar, Senegal.
Nesiama confirmed the appointment in a message to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.
The appointment recognizes his extensive experience and technical expertise in athletics officiating at continental and international competitions.
Nesiama currently chairs the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Technical and Development Commission and serves on the Technical and Competitions Commission of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA).
He previously served as Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and is a World Athletics-certified lecturer for technical officials.
The Nigerian official has officiated at several major athletics competitions, including the 2024 African Games in Accra, Ghana, where he served as a referee.
He also worked as Start Referee at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix and served as an International Referee at the 2026 World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana.
Nesiama made history at the World Athletics Relays after becoming the first Nigerian appointed as a referee at the competition.
He has also officiated at several African Under-18, Under-20 and Senior Athletics Championships.
His latest appointment further highlights the growing recognition of Nigerian technical officials on the international athletics stage.
The role is also expected to enhance Nigeria’s contribution to global athletics officiating and provide further visibility for the country’s technical expertise.
