Newly elected Chairman of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Agbagu Victor Damilola, has revealed ambitious plans aimed at transforming football coaching development across Ogun State following the successful maiden edition of the NFCA Ogun State Leadership Summit and Leadership Award.
The landmark event, held on May 13, 2026, at the CIBN Banquet Hall, brought together respected coaches, football stakeholders, sports administrators, and personalities from across the state.
Speaking exclusively with Sports247Naija after the event, Agbagu explained that the summit was inspired by the association’s commitment to ensuring prosperity and professionalism among football coaches in Ogun State.
“What inspired the initiative was actually the mandate of bringing prosperity to all football coaches in Ogun State,” he stated.
According to him, the leadership recognized a gap between the state and local councils within the association, particularly in understanding the responsibilities of coaches both professionally and socially.
“The importance of football coaches in society as professionals and mentors shaping the lives of young players informed the initiative tagged ‘Igniting Greatness,’” he added.
Agbagu praised members of the executive committee, including the coaching education department, media team, secretariat, and treasury unit, for their collective efforts in ensuring the success of the summit.
On the importance of unity and education among coaches, the chairman emphasized that collaboration remains essential for the growth of football administration and technical development.
“Unity is key to the development of every association and society at large,” he noted, highlighting the synergy between state, zonal, and local councils as one of the reasons behind the impressive turnout at the summit.
He also stressed the need for continuous coaching education, explaining that football is constantly evolving and requires coaches to consistently update their knowledge and technical approach.
“This year alone, we already have four coaching education programmes lined up before the end of 2026,” Agbagu revealed.
Outlining his administration’s priorities, the chairman listed continuous coaching education, securing a permanent secretariat, promoting professionalism, creating employment opportunities, improving welfare, and building strategic partnerships as key focus areas.
He further disclosed plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Sports Development, private schools, and international institutions to create opportunities for qualified coaches across the state.
Agbagu also confirmed that the Leadership Summit would become an annual event while announcing plans for the association’s first Conference and Annual General Meeting scheduled for December 2026.
“Ogun State Chapter is at the forefront of ensuring professionalism in football coaching becomes a reality in Nigeria,” he concluded.
