NFF Rolls Out Robust Coaching, Refereeing Capacity Programmes As Gusau Pushes For Global Standards

The Nigeria Football Federation has reaffirmed its commitment to raising the bar for Nigerian coaches and referees, with NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, declaring that structured programmes are already underway to produce officials capable of holding their own on the biggest stage in world football.

Speaking on behalf of NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau MON, at the opening ceremony of the six-day CAF B refresher course in Abuja yesterday, Sanusi said the Young Talent, Beach Soccer and FIFA Elite Referees programmes earlier in the month were among the structured pathways for the building of capacity of critical workers in Nigeria’s football sector.

He also reiterated that Nigeria has been readmitted to the CAF A-License Coaching Convention, a significant step for Nigerian coaches to diligently build their capacity towards the highest level possible in the game.  “The NFF, specifically the Technical Department, is now working assiduously towards resuming the CAF A-License course in Nigeria in August this year, for the first time in nine years.”

Dr Sanusi, one of the course instructors, warned the participants to demonstrate dedication and total commitment to excelling and earning the grade in the CAF A-License programme.

“We have a total of 50 participants for the refresher course, but only 25 of you will be admitted for the CAF A-License course starting in August. We will set very high standards, and only the best will cross the hurdle. That does not mean we are going to close the door for others. Immediately, we are done with this CAF A course starting in August, we will apply to CAF for another one so that more people will be able to attain certification at that level.”

Sanusi revealed that NFF is also committed to strengthening the capacity of referees, as he announced that President Gusau has approved a vehicle from the West African Football Union B (of which he is the President) to move Video Assistant Referee training equipment into Nigeria in the interest of Nigerian referees. He also highlighted ongoing collaboration with the National Institute of Sports (NIS) to launch a diploma programme in sports management.

NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, expressed satisfaction with the progress so far made in training the trainers in Nigeria. “I’m satisfied with what we have done so far and where we are taking Nigerian coaches. If I leave the office today, somebody will come and continue from here, but I am not leaving yet; I owe this to Nigerian coaches and players in terms of Nigeria’s football development.” His words drew applause from the room filled with veteran and rising tacticians.

The first batch of the CAF B-License refresher course includes some of the country’s most respected names in coaching, 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.