NFF relaunches CAF A-License course after nine-year wait
The CAF A-License coaching course has returned to Nigeria after a nine-year hiatus, with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officially relaunching the elite coaching programme in Abuja.
The return marks a significant development in Nigeria’s coaching education programme, with 25 coaches taking part in the course designed to broaden their technical and tactical knowledge.
The NFF had earlier confirmed that Nigeria was readmitted to the CAF A-License Convention after nine years, allowing the Federation to resume the elite coaching programme in the country. (Nigerian Football Federation)
Speaking at the opening ceremony, NFF Acting General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme thanked the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for its support in restoring Nigeria to the coaching convention.
“I want to, on behalf of the NFF, appreciate CAF for returning Nigeria to the CAF A-License Convention. At a point, it became somewhat embarrassing that this elite coaching course took so long to return to our country,” Ikpeme said.
He also commended NFF Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen and his team for their efforts in convincing CAF to restore Nigeria to the convention.
Ikpeme urged the 25 participating coaches to approach the programme with an open mind and remain attentive throughout the course.
He said the coaches must broaden their worldview and acquire modern technical and tactical knowledge that would enable them to compete with leading coaches in Africa and around the world.
CAF A-License targets coaching development
The Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, also welcomed the return of the programme and praised the NFF for bringing the elite coaching course back to Nigeria.
Shaibu disclosed that research by the NIS had identified more than 40,000 coaches in Nigeria who are not certified.
“I want to thank the NFF for bringing this elite coaching programme back to our shores after so many years. From our research in Nigeria, we discovered over 40,000 coaches in Nigeria are not certified,” Shaibu said.
He expressed confidence that continued collaboration between the NFF and NIS could help position Nigeria as a major hub for coaching education in Africa.
The NFF had previously stated that the CAF A-License course forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen coaching capacity across the country. The seven-month programme is being delivered across six modules, with the course limited to 25 participants.
Eguavoen excited by CAF A-License return
Eguavoen, who played a key role in the process of restoring the programme, expressed his delight at seeing the course finally return to Nigeria.
“I think I am the most excited person here today. I don’t know about any other person, but since this thing is back, and it’s back to stay, we will build on it,” Eguavoen said.
He added that the objective would be to build on the programme and continue progressing towards higher levels of coaching education.
The CAF A-License sits within CAF’s coaching development pathway and is designed for elite youth and senior amateur football, with CAF’s coaching framework listing 25 participants for the programme. (Confédération Africaine de Football)
CAF A-License brings stakeholders together
The opening ceremony was attended by several officials and stakeholders, including NFF Acting Deputy General Secretary Dr Ademola Olajire, Director of Legal Services Okey Obi, NFF Head of Coaching Education Dr Terry Eguaoje and CAF Coaching Educator Michael Amanga.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle was also present, alongside NIS Chief Librarian Dr Omo Atsenokhai, NIS Deputy Director (Technical) Faith Omon Ben-Anuge, NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi and Assistant Director of Coaching and Development AbdulRafiu Yusuf.
The return of the CAF A-License course provides Nigeria with an opportunity to strengthen its pool of qualified coaches while creating a structured pathway for technical development.
This programme represents an opportunity for the participating coaches to gain advanced knowledge and apply modern coaching methodologies as they seek to operate at higher levels of the game.