President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, inaugurated the second batch of participants for the CAF Educators’ Course on Thursday at the NFF-FIFA Technical Centre within the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Represented by general secretary Sanusi Muhammad, the NFF President expressed his pleasure that Nigeria has become the sixth African country to reach this significant milestone in training educator coaches.
He explained that by the conclusion of the 10-day educator course programme, participants will be evaluated to oversee coaching training and courses throughout the country.
The NFF President urged participants to avoid distractions and fully engage in this valuable learning experience.
A total of 15 Nigerian coaches are taking part in this educator course programme.
“I was fortunate to be among the first beneficiaries of this educator course programme. Education differs from a coaching course. A coaching course primarily deals with technical and tactical skills, whereas coaching education encompasses using your knowledge—both technical and tactical—coupled with methodology to impart knowledge. This is the essence of the educator course.
“When you look at the two together, there is a significant distinction, as one will teach you how to impart knowledge to upcoming coaches. Therefore, at the end of this programme, participants will be evaluated. Those who excel will have the opportunity to handle upper-class coaching courses, while others will be assign to C and D classes. It is not merely about attending lectures; you must meet the requirements for grading.
“We expect that by the end of this programme, participants will demonstrate a transformation. There should be evidence of learning reflected in changes to your attitude, behaviour, and the way you approach your responsibilities now compared to before. This will indicate that you have successfully completed the educator course.
“It’s not just about obtaining the certificate and returning home without being able to impart the knowledge gained. Beyond the certificate, we want you to be capable of sharing this knowledge with the younger generation, which will ultimately benefit Nigeria. Thank you very much. On behalf of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, I hereby declare this educator course open,” said Muhammad.
The course coordinator and Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, Augustine Eguavoen, noted that the programme is part of the plan to increase the number of CAF-Licensed Coach Educators across Nigeria.
“Nigeria is the sixth nation in Africa to undertake the educator course. In 2023, we had a group of coaches participate in this course, prompting FIFA and CAF to organise a second course due to the size of our country and the need for more trained personnel,” Eguavoen stated.
Among the 15 participants are former Super Falcons’ head coach, Christopher Danjuma; former Nigeria international defender and one-time head coach of the 5-A-Side National Team, Oladuni Oyekale; former Super Falcons’ assistant coach Mansur Abdullahi; former Golden Eaglets assistant coach and sports journalist, Bunmi Haruna; FCT FA secretary Usman Haruna Ilerika; Adanna Nwaneri; Hakeem Busari Ishola; Italy-based Felix Evodi and others.
