CAF A-License Return Signals New Era For Nigerian Coaches

CAF A-License Return Signals New Era For Nigerian Coaches

By BSN Sports 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reinforced its commitment to developing world-class coaches and referees, unveiling a series of capacity-building initiatives aimed at aligning Nigerian football with international best practices, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking on behalf of NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, at the opening of a six-day CAF B-License Refresher Course in Abuja on Monday, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said the federation had put in place structured programmes designed to strengthen technical and officiating standards across the country.

According to Sanusi, recent initiatives such as the Young Talent Programme, Beach Soccer Programme and FIFA Elite Referees Programme form part of a broader strategy to enhance the capacity of key stakeholders within Nigeria's football ecosystem.

He also announced that Nigeria has regained admission into the CAF A-License Coaching Convention, a development expected to provide local coaches with greater opportunities to attain the highest coaching qualifications on the continent.

"The NFF Technical Department is working diligently towards resuming the CAF A-License course in Nigeria in August for the first time in nine years," Sanusi said.

Addressing participants at the refresher course, Sanusi stressed the importance of dedication and excellence, noting that only half of the 50 participants would gain admission into the CAF A-License programme scheduled to begin in August.

"We will maintain very high standards, and only the best candidates will progress. However, opportunities will remain available for others, as the federation intends to apply for additional CAF A-License courses after the completion of the first programme," he added.

The NFF General Secretary further disclosed that the federation is taking significant steps to improve refereeing standards. He revealed that President Gusau has approved the deployment of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) training equipment into Nigeria through the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B, which Gusau currently leads.

Sanusi also highlighted an ongoing partnership between the NFF and the National Institute for Sports (NIS) aimed at introducing a diploma programme in sports management.

NFF Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen expressed satisfaction with the progress made in coach education and trainer development, describing it as a crucial investment in the future of Nigerian football.

"I am pleased with the progress we have made and the direction we are taking Nigerian coaches. Developing our coaches ultimately benefits our players and the overall growth of Nigerian football," Eguavoen said.

The first batch of the CAF B-License Refresher Course features several prominent figures in Nigerian football, including Fidelis Ilechukwu, Kennedy Boboye, Ladan Bosso, Imama Amapakabo, Aliyu Zubairu, Edith Agoye, Abdul Maikaba, John Obuh and several other experienced and emerging tacticians.

The refresher course forms part of the federation's broader drive to strengthen coaching education, improve officiating standards and create sustainable pathways for football development across the country.