Glasgow Showing Proves Nigeria's Athletics Is on the Right Path – Nesiama

Posted : 01 August 2026

Retired Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, a former Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), says Team Nigeria's performances at the ongoing 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow have demonstrated that the country's athletics programme is making steady progress.

Nesiama, Nigeria's most senior World Athletics technical official, described the campaign as encouraging, noting that several athletes exceeded expectations with commendable performances.

Assessing the team's outing, he said the results reflected the growing depth of Nigerian athletics and offered renewed optimism for future international competitions.

"So far, so good. Predictions may not always be entirely accurate, but there have still been some pleasant surprises," he said.

The veteran athletics administrator, who recently served as a technical official at the World Relays Championships in Gaborone, Botswana, and the CAA Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana, identified the performances of the men's team as one of the biggest highlights of the Games.

According to him, the emergence of the male athletes has added a new dimension to Nigeria's athletics prospects and strengthened hopes for sustained success.

"One significant development is that we are now seeing performances from the men that give us great expectations as well," Nesiama said.

He also praised the unity and harmony within the Nigerian delegation, describing the strong team spirit among athletes and officials as a major factor behind the country's impressive performances.

"Kudos to every member of the team for the camaraderie that has united the delegation," he added.

While expressing satisfaction with the team's achievements, Nesiama emphasised that greater success would depend on improved planning and execution ahead of major championships.

He urged sports administrators to begin preparations well in advance, develop effective competition strategies, and ensure those plans are implemented throughout major events.

"We can only ask for more in terms of fine-tuning our preparation strategies well ahead of the Games.

"Thereafter, there is also the need for proper management during the Games to ensure that the plans are executed to the letter. Once that is done, whatever the outcome, it will reflect the quality of the preparation," he said.

Nesiama expressed confidence that with sustained planning, effective technical management, and improved preparation, Team Nigeria would continue to strengthen its position among the leading athletics nations in the Commonwealth and beyond.

Glasgow Showing Proves Nigeria's Athletics Is on the Right Path – Nesiama

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