Challenging times ahead, positive work synergy will triumph, says Nesiama
Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Head of Competitions and Management Committee Commodore Omatseye Oscar Nesiama (rtd) has said that with positive synergy Challenges ahead would be surmounted as the federation grapples with competitions in the new season.
The retired Navy Commodore said this against the background of his recent appointment as the federation’s Head of Competitions and Management Committee and the task ahead on deliverables.
“As head of competitions, our job is to make sure Athletes compete all times, although times are short, the latest we heard from the Africa Games organisers in Ghana was that all entries should be submitted by Middle of February, this makes our job very tight and urgent, it then means that AFN will adjust it’s programmes to accommodate the National Trials within a short time in other to get all our athletes involve.
The former AFN technical director also assured that his committee would laise with technical and other committees for good synergy to make the job achievable.
He informed that AFN will start it’s first competition for the season early in February and consistently through March for AthIetes to get adequate preparations, insisting that there are more Competitions this year, aside the AFN Golden league, Africa Games and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are huge task, but not insurmountable”, he said.
During the interview Nesiama said, the accommodation of foreign based AthIetes in the AFN Africa Games competitions programme would happen without undue protocols, adding that the Federation is going to be dynamic to relax certain rules that may hinder athletes anywhere in the world from attending trials.
He assured that AthIetes would have the best of time for preparations and warned that the federation would not tolerate any complacency as there would be strict adherence to discipline and laid down rules.
Nesiama also spelt out Terms of reference for Competition and Management as follows:
To see to the proper organization of other competitions endorsed by the AFN and organized by its affiliates.
Carry out an assessment of all competitions using assessment tools, which we shall develop ASAP.
Be responsible for appointing competition management officials and in conjunction with NAATO appoint officiating officials.
Liaise with other related committees/ commissions to ensure that the AFN yearly event Calendar and all competition content and event timetables are prepared in line with best practices and athlete welfare centered.
May in liaison with the Technical Committee and the AFN Board, publish events information for AFN competitions and selection criteria for international competitions.
