NFF Launches Coaching and Refereeing Development Programs

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the skills of Nigerian coaches and referees, with NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi MON, announcing that structured programs were underway to produce officials capable of competing at the highest levels of international football. Speaking on behalf of NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau MON at the opening ceremony of a six-day CAF B refresher course in Abuja on Monday, Sanusi noted that initiatives such as the Young Talent, Beach Soccer, and FIFA Elite Referees programs launched earlier in the month were part of the strategic framework aimed at building the capacity of essential personnel in Nigeria's football sector.

Sanusi further stated that Nigeria had been readmitted into the CAF A-License Coaching Convention, a crucial development that would enable Nigerian coaches to work towards attaining the highest coaching qualifications. "The NFF, particularly the Technical Department, is focused on resuming the CAF A-License course in Nigeria in August this year, marking the first occurrence in nine years," he mentioned.

Dr Sanusi, who serves as one of the instructors for the CAF course, urged participants to demonstrate serious commitment and dedication in order to qualify for the prestigious CAF A-License program. "There are 50 participants in this refresher course, but only 25 will be eligible for the CAF A-License course starting in August. We will establish high standards, and only those who meet these will proceed. We will not exclude others, as we plan to apply for additional licenses right after this course concludes in August," he said.

Additionally, Sanusi disclosed that the NFF is committed to boosting referee training and that President Gusau had approved the provision of a vehicle from the West African Football Union B to facilitate the transport of Video Assistant Referee training equipment into Nigeria. He also mentioned a collaboration with the National Institute of Sports (NIS) to initiate a diploma program in sports management.

NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in training coaches across Nigeria. "I am pleased with our accomplishments so far and the direction in which we are steering Nigerian coaches. I intend to continue this work, as I owe it to the development of Nigerian football coaches and players," he affirmed, receiving applause from the audience, which included both experienced and emerging coaches.

The first batch of participants in the CAF B-License refresher course consists of many notable coaching figures including Fidelis Ilechukwu, Kennedy Boboye, Adanna Nwaneri, Ladan Bosso, Imama Amapakabo, Edema Fuludu, Aliyu Zubairu, Edith Agoye, Olatunji Baruwa, Charity Enwerem, Gregory Ikhenoba, Rollandson Odeh, Abdul Maikaba, Eugene Agagbe, Patrick Bassey, Abdullahi Biffo, Mansur Abdullahi, Haruna Ilerika, and John Obuh.