Gusau promises decentralisation of coaching education

Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau MON, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), reaffirmed the Federation's commitment to grassroots development and accessible coaching education pathways after the conclusion of the CAF B-License Refresher Course. The course ended on Wednesday evening and was organised by the NFF.

During the closing ceremony, Gusau expressed gratitude to the participants and stakeholders for their dedication. He pointed out the significant improvements in the football landscape and coaching education under his administration. "When we came in, the situation was not particularly great with regards to coaching education. I believe you can all attest to the fact that significant progress has been made in this area," he remarked, noting the numerous courses held since his tenure began and Nigeria's return to the CAF A-License convention.

Gusau also addressed concerns regarding the issuance of certificates for coaches who completed the CAF B course in previous years. He assured participants that the NFF is working with CAF to ensure all eligible coaches receive their certificates. He mentioned that the NFF now has enough qualified instructors to conduct CAF B training programmes across different states, zones, and local government areas, thus eliminating the need for coaches to travel to Abuja for training. “You can be in your state, and the course will be at your doorstep. We need to educate our grassroots coaches,” he explained.

The NFF President underscored the evolving and scientific nature of football education, asserting that modern coaching requires staying updated with current methods and information. Though the A-License course will be limited to a smaller number of individuals due to CAF regulations, Gusau promised to involve all coaches in the developmental processes.

Fifty coaches participated in the four-day refresher course, which commenced on Sunday. The closing ceremony was attended by notable figures, including NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi MON, NFF Technical Director Coach Augustine Eguavoen, NFF’s Head of Coaching Education Dr Terry Eguaoje, NFF Director of Media and Communications Dr Ademola Olajire, and President of Nigeria Football Coaches Association Coach Ladan Bosso.