The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Wednesday relaunched the Confederation of African Football (CAF) A-License Coaching Course after a nine-year hiatus.
The ceremony, held in Abuja, brought together NFF officials, facilitators and 25 coaches selected from different parts of Nigeria
NFF Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, expressed appreciation to CAF for supporting the revival of the elite coaching development programme.
Ikpeme also commended NFF Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen, and his team for securing CAF’s restoration of Nigeria to the A-License Convention.
He urged the participating coaches to remain attentive, broaden their knowledge and embrace modern technical and tactical approaches throughout the programme.
According to him, the training would equip participants with knowledge required to compete with leading professionals in Africa and globally.
“This programme is an opportunity for you to improve your knowledge and understand modern trends in football coaching,” Ikpeme said.
He encouraged the coaches to maximise the opportunity and apply the knowledge gained towards improving football development at various levels.
Also speaking, Philip Shaibu, Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), commended the NFF for restoring the elite coaching programme.
Shaibu said NIS research showed that more than 40,000 coaches in Nigeria were uncertified, highlighting the need for expanded coaching education.
He expressed optimism that the NFF-NIS partnership would strengthen coaching development and position Nigeria as a major hub for coaching education.
Eguavoen, who expressed delight over the programme’s return, said the NFF was committed to sustaining and building on the initiative.
“I think I am the most excited person here today. Since this thing is back, and it’s back to stay, we will build on it,” Eguavoen said.
He added that the programme would provide Nigerian coaches with opportunities to advance their professional development and attain higher levels of coaching.
The return of the A-License course marks the resumption of an elite coaching pathway aimed at strengthening technical capacity within Nigerian football.
The opening ceremony was attended by NFF Acting Deputy General Secretary, Dr Ademola Olajire, and Director of Legal Services, Okey Obi.
Others included NFF Head of Coaching Education, Dr. Terry Eguaoje; CAF Coaching Educator, Michael Amanga; and Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle.
NIS representatives included Chief Librarian, Dr Omo Atsenokhai; Deputy Director (Technical), Mrs Faith Omon Ben-Anuge; and other management staff.
Also present were NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, and Assistant Director, Coaching and Development, AbdulRafiu Yusuf.
