Nigeria Football Federation Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen has backed the Ogun State Football Association’s drive to improve grassroots coaching, stressing that experience alone is no longer enough as the demands of modern football continue to evolve.
Eguavoen made the remarks while receiving a delegation from Ogun FA and the Ogun State chapter of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association in Ijebu Ode on Monday. The visit came ahead of the CAF D Coaching Course scheduled to take place in Ogun State from October 21 to 26, 2026.
The former Super Eagles defender commended Ogun FA chairman Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi for prioritising coaching education and creating opportunities for coaches in the state to obtain professional qualifications.
According to Eguavoen, Nigeria has continued to produce talented coaches, but the profession now requires structured learning and specialised knowledge to meet certain standards.
He explained that coaching certification gives aspiring coaches a clearer route through the different levels of the profession, helping them prepare for greater responsibilities as their careers progress.
His message highlights an important issue in Nigerian football: the need to strengthen coaching standards from the grassroots, where young players first learn the game.
Coaches at this level do more than organise training sessions. They help young footballers develop their technical abilities, understand the game and build the discipline required to progress.
Without adequate training, talented young players may not always receive the guidance needed to reach their potential.
Coaching education can help bridge that gap by equipping trainers with improved knowledge and methods.
Sports247 reports that the Ogun FA is organising the course in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, under the leadership of Coach Victor Agbagu.
Majekodunmi reaffirmed his commitment to providing opportunities for grassroots coaches to improve their knowledge, obtain professional qualifications and advance their careers.
He also assured Eguavoen that the association was ready to host the programme, expressing hope that participants would gain useful knowledge to improve their coaching capacity.
With the course scheduled to begin next week, the focus will be on giving participating coaches a stronger foundation for their work with players at grassroots level.
The initiative also reflects the wider need for sustained investment in coaching education if Nigeria is to continue developing football talent.
