Gaborone 2026: Nesiama canvasses Botswana model to revive Nigerian athletics
Former Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Retired Navy Commander Omatseye Nesiama, has outlined what he believes is a clear pathway to sustained success for Nigeria’s next generation of
Former Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Retired Navy Commander Omatseye Nesiama, has outlined what he believes is a clear pathway to sustained success for Nigeria's next generation of athletes, stressing the need for deliberate and strategic management.
Speaking on the future of the country's emerging talents, Nesiama said raw ability alone is not enough to guarantee podium finishes on the global stage, and that a structured system built on long-term planning remains the missing link.
"The future is ahead of them and for them, but it must be driven by deliberate strategic management," he said, adding that talent must be nurtured within a well-coordinated framework.
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Drawing a comparison with Botswana's steady rise in athletics, Nesiama recalled how Nigeria once played a role in supporting their development, noting that Botswana athletes were previously encouraged and "packaged" to compete at events such as the Warri Relays and Nigeria's national trials — exposure that has since paid dividends.
"Same happened to the Botswana team that we used to literally package and encourage to participate… Go back to what I said, strategic management," he said.
Botswana has since grown into one of Africa's most competitive athletics nations, a transformation Nesiama believes Nigeria can replicate if the right structures are put in place.
He stressed that the next four years are crucial and must be handled with intention, particularly in the areas of education, coaching, athlete development and welfare.
"Meaning that their education, coaching, development and welfare in the next four years has to be deliberately planned and managed," he said.
