The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has successfully concluded the CAF D Licence Coaching Course in Ileogbo, Osun State. The programme, hosted by the Osun State Football Association at the Lanreleke Sports Academy, drew 40 grassroots coaches from across the states of the federations. This marked a major milestone in the drive to professionalise coaching at the grassroots level. The intensive 60-hour course featured leadership, technical and practical sessions anchored by CAF Certified instructors.
The course was led by the Technical Director of the NFF, Coach Augustine Owen Eguavoen. Participants were drilled and armed with modern methodology in coaching, including age-appropriate training, player safety, talent identification, and contemporary approaches to youth development. The programme aimed to equip coaches with the necessary skills to develop young players and contribute to the growth of football in Nigeria.
The Chairman of Osun State Football Association, Mayor Sola Fanawopo, congratulated all participants for their commitment and discipline. He noted that their participation demonstrates a willingness to contribute meaningfully to football growth in Osun and Nigeria. Mayor Fanawopo emphasised that the future of Nigerian football depends significantly on the quality of coaches at the grassroots.
Mayor Fanawopo stressed that coaches shape character, instill discipline, and lay the foundation upon which future stars are built. He stated that the D Licence course is crucial for strengthening technical knowledge and improving training methods for young players. However, he charged the coaches that obtaining a certificate must not be the end, but the beginning of continuous learning and professional excellence.
The Osun FA Chairman reaffirmed the commitment of Osun FA to creating more opportunities for coach education, grassroots development, and discovery of young talents. He charged every participant to return to their clubs, academies, schools and communities as ambassadors of good coaching practice, to apply the knowledge acquired, mentor upcoming coaches, prioritise players’ welfare and uphold discipline, fairness, integrity and respect.
In his remarks, Coach Austin Eguavoen charged the participants never to rest on their oars, promising to guide and mentor them beyond the course. He noted that more training is needed across all states and that more trainers are needed to succeed the current generation. The participants were praised for their commitment and were requested to be included in future development programmes.
The participants, on behalf of Babajide Olusola Babatola, expressed gratitude to the organisers and facilitators, declaring that they were richer in knowledge and Curriculum Vitae. The conclusion of the CAF D Licence Coaching Course marks a significant step towards enhancing coaching standards in Nigeria, with the NFF and Osun State Football Association committed to continuous development and growth of the sport.
Key points
- The NFF concludes CAF D Licence Coaching Course in Ileogbo, training 40 grassroots coaches.
- Coach Austin Eguavoen promises to guide and mentor participants beyond the course.
- Osun FA Chairman stresses the importance of continuous learning and professional excellence for coaches.
