By Joel Ajayi
After six months of intensive training in modern coaching techniques, over 25 coaches have successfully obtained their CAF B Licence Coaching Certificates.
At the closing ceremony of the fourth module, held at the Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, urged the newly certified coaches not to remain idle but to actively engage with clubs to build their coaching careers.
Addressing the participants — which included both male and female coaches — Gusau encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained from the course in real coaching environments rather than resting on their new credentials.
“We will do our best to bring our attention back to the real world. I am confident in our ability, and we can beat our chest with pride — because that is why we are here,” he said.
The NFF President commended the coaches for their dedication and hard work throughout the program, urging them to see their certification as a stepping stone rather than a destination.
“Do not just go home and relax,” he warned. “Build your capacity. Start or join a club where you can apply what you’ve learned. Don’t just hold a certificate and stay idle — you must put your knowledge into practice.”
Gusau emphasized that the essence of CAF’s coaching education is not merely to obtain a licence but to gain real coaching experience that can enhance football development across Nigeria and Africa.
“Your CV should not only list qualifications but also real coaching experience. Experience is very important. So don’t just celebrate completing your coaching licence today — let this be the beginning of a new dawn in your coaching career,” he advised.
He further assured the coaches of the NFF’s continuous support, stressing that the Federation remains committed to helping them grow professionally and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s football structure.
“We are always available to support and guide you. If you see an opportunity where we can help you grow, reach out — we are ready to assist,” Gusau said.
Highlighting the progress of local coaching development, Gusau noted that Nigeria now has trained local instructors capable of conducting future coaching programs without depending on foreign trainers.
“Our goal is to build local expertise,” he affirmed.
The NFF President also disclosed plans to ensure that more coaches across the country benefit from similar programs, with deliberate efforts toward inclusivity and gender balance.
“We are taking deliberate steps to license female coaches, and we have already started with two. This is part of our effort to promote women’s participation in coaching across Africa,” he added.
Looking ahead, Gusau reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening technical development and capacity-building programs before the end of his tenure in September 2026.
“By God’s grace, before the end of my tenure as NFF President, we will achieve our goal of producing more qualified coaches and technical experts for our football,” he declared.
The NFF boss concluded by encouraging the new coaches to think globally and seek opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange with their counterparts across Africa.
In his remarks, the NFF Technical Director, Austin Eguavoen, described the journey as tedious but with a sweet end.
He charged the participants not to close their books, emphasizing that being a successful coach requires more than just technical and tactical knowledge.
“Don’t close your book. To be a coach today, you need more than technical and tactical knowledge,” Eguavoen advised the CAF B Coaches.
He expressed gratitude to the NFF leadership and the participants for their encouragement and support throughout the program.
Eguavoen added that Nigeria’s coaching development is a continuous process, given the country’s vast size and potential, and revealed that the CAF C Coaching Course will commence soon.
