Head coach of Bayelsa Queens, Ogbonda Whyte, has appealed to the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to fast-track the upgrading of Nigerian coaches’ licenses so they can take full charge of their teams during continental competitions.
Whyte explained that the inability of some domestic coaches to sit in the technical area during CAF tournaments has hurt Nigerian clubs on the continent.
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“It is frustrating when as a coach you cannot be in the dugout to guide your team,” he said. “During key moments, you are supposed to pass instructions or make quick tactical adjustments, but without the right certification, you are left powerless. That has affected our performance.”
The Bayelsa Queens gaffer, who has led the team in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), insisted that the problem is not a lack of competence but a lack of structured support to help coaches acquire the necessary badges.
“Our coaches are talented and capable,” Whyte stressed. “What we need is the NFF to create a proper pathway, provide refresher courses, and even support us financially where needed so that we can complete the badges required by CAF.”
He warned that without urgent intervention, Nigeria risks falling behind other African nations that are investing heavily in coach education.
“Other countries are upgrading their coaches every year. If we continue like this, we will not be able to compete with them tactically. Football is evolving, and Nigeria must evolve too,” Whyte said.
Whyte also emphasized that better-equipped coaches will translate into better-prepared players and stronger teams. “If we want to see our clubs and national teams succeed, then we must empower the coaches. Allow us to be with our teams on the touchline where we belong,” he concluded.
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