Nigeria’s coaching fraternity has received a major boost following the Confederation of African Football’s decision to readmit the country into the CAF A Coaching Convention after nearly a decade.
CAF confirmed the approval of the Nigeria Football Federation’s CAF A course curriculum, paving the way for the resumption of CAF A coaching courses in the country for the first time since 2017.
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In a letter addressed to the NFF, CAF Coaching Education Project Manager Jaida Zakaria stated:
“We are pleased to inform you that the CAF A course curriculum submitted by NFF has been approved. You can now proceed with submitting a request for a CAF A course through the CMS, subject to an inspection visit.”
The development has sparked excitement among Nigerian coaches, many of whom had been unable to progress professionally due to the prolonged absence of the qualification in the country.
NFF Head of Coaching Education, Dr. Terry Babatunde Eguaoje, described the approval as a landmark achievement.
“This is truly huge, after nine years! Admission into the CAF A coaching convention is a big deal. This is in addition to the CAF D, C and B that had been approved at various times by CAF,” he said.
NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi also welcomed the breakthrough, assuring that preparations would begin immediately for the first CAF A Licence course in years.
“We are elated by this positive development for the cause of coaching in our country. The NFF will commence preparations in earnest to put logistics in place for the first CAF A-License coaching course in this country since 2017,” Sanusi stated.
Speaking with Sports247, Coach Felix Ifeanyi Nwosu, popularly known as “Abacha,” applauded the NFF and the technical education department for restoring the programme.
According to him, the lack of CAF A courses in Nigeria had denied many qualified coaches opportunities to secure top coaching positions across Africa and beyond.
“This is a welcome development. The last time it happened in Nigeria was 2017. By now, I would have been a CAF Pro Licence Coach, but it’s all well. I’m happy with the development and to be sincere, Dr. Terry and the NFF Technical Education Department have been doing a great job for the federation,” Nwosu said.
He further stressed that the return of the programme would help Nigerian coaches compete favourably on the continental stage.
“Many of us have missed several top coaching jobs because of this particular qualification. And one thing is certain, in the present NFF coaching education class, you must qualify to be part of it. If you don’t do well in classes and practicals, you will fail and have to retake next time,” he added.
The reactivation of the CAF A Coaching Convention is expected to significantly improve coaching standards in Nigeria while opening fresh opportunities for local tacticians seeking elite certifications and career advancement.
