Former Athletics Federation of Nigeria official, Omatseye Nesiama, has called for a deliberate and structured approach to managing Nigeria’s rising generation of athletes, warning that raw talent alone is not enough to secure global success.
Speaking on the outlook for the country’s budding stars, Nesiama stressed that without long-term planning and coordinated development, Nigeria risks falling short on the international stage despite its abundance of talent.
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“The future is ahead of them and for them, but it must be driven by deliberate strategic management,” he stated, underlining the importance of building a sustainable system that nurtures athletes beyond their natural ability.
Nesiama pointed to Botswana’s remarkable progress in athletics as a model Nigeria can emulate.
He recalled how Nigeria once played a supportive role in exposing Botswana’s athletes to competitive platforms such as the Warri Relays and national trials—opportunities that have since contributed to their growth into a continental powerhouse.
“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 noted.
Botswana’s steady rise, he argued, is proof that consistent planning and athlete-focused policies can transform potential into podium success.
Looking ahead, Nesiama emphasized that the next four years will be critical for Nigeria’s young talents.
He highlighted key areas – education, coaching, athlete development, and welfare—as pillars that must be intentionally structured and properly managed.
“Meaning that their education, coaching, development and welfare in the next four years has to be deliberately planned and managed,” he said.
As Nigeria continues to produce exciting prospects on the track, Nesiama’s message serves as both a caution and a blueprint, reminding stakeholders that lasting success is built through vision, structure, and sustained investment long before athletes step onto the global stage.
