The Nigeria Football Federation 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, brought together 40 grassroots coaches from across the country. The intensive 60-hour course covered leadership, technical, and practical sessions led by CAF Certified instructors, including the Technical Director of the NFF, Coach Augustine Owen Eguavoen.
The course aimed to professionalize coaching at the grassroots level by equipping participants with modern coaching methodologies. The training included age-appropriate training, player safety, talent identification, and contemporary approaches to youth development. The participants were drilled on the latest techniques and strategies to improve their coaching skills. This initiative is part of the NFF's efforts to enhance the quality of coaching in Nigeria.
The Chairman of Osun State Football Association, Sola Fanawopo, addressed the participants at the closing ceremony in Ileogbo. He congratulated them on their commitment and discipline throughout the course, highlighting that their participation demonstrates a willingness to contribute to football growth in Osun and Nigeria. Fanawopo emphasized that the future of Nigerian football depends on the quality of coaches at the grassroots level.
Fanawopo stressed that coaches play a crucial role in shaping character, instilling discipline, and laying the foundation for future stars. He noted that the D Licence course is essential for strengthening technical knowledge and improving training methods for young players. However, he charged the coaches not to consider obtaining a certificate as the end goal, but rather as the beginning of continuous learning and professional excellence.
The Osun State Football Association Chairman reaffirmed his commitment to creating more opportunities for coach education, grassroots development, and discovery of young talents. He encouraged the participants to return to their clubs, academies, schools, and communities as ambassadors of good coaching practice. They were tasked with applying the knowledge acquired, mentoring upcoming coaches, prioritizing players' welfare, and upholding discipline, fairness, integrity, and respect.
Coach Austin Eguavoen, the Technical Director of the NFF, also addressed the participants. He encouraged them to continue learning and promised to guide and mentor them beyond the course. Eguavoen noted that more training is needed across all states and that more trainers are required to succeed the current generation. His remarks underscored the importance of continuous development for coaches.
The participants expressed their gratitude to the organizers and facilitators, declaring that they are richer in knowledge and experience. Babajide Olusola Babatola, speaking on behalf of the participants, requested their inclusion in future development programmes, such as the CAF C Licence course. The successful completion of the CAF D Licence coaching course marks a significant milestone in Nigeria's football development.
Key points
- The Nigeria Football Federation completes CAF D Licence coaching course in Osun State, training 40 grassroots coaches.
- The course aimed to professionalize coaching at the grassroots level by equipping participants with modern coaching methodologies.
- The initiative is part of the NFF's efforts to enhance the quality of coaching in Nigeria.
