Sports

2nd CAF Coaching Course Will Uplift Nigerian Football – NFF

Published

4 months ago

July 17, 2025

By Joel Ajayi

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, has affirmed that the ongoing CAF Educators’ Course will significantly transform football development in Nigeria by equipping coaches to become high-level educators and trainers.

Speaking through NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, at the launch of the second edition of the CAF Coach Educators’ Course on Thursday at the NFF/FIFA Technical Centre, MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Gusau said Nigeria’s participation in the programme marks another major step toward sustainable football growth.

“Nigeria is now the sixth country in Africa to host this important course. At the end of the 10-day programme, participants will be assessed and certified to oversee coaching education and training nationwide,” he stated.

Gusau urged the 15 selected coaches to fully commit to the course, avoid distractions, and embrace the opportunity to improve their skills and mindset. “We expect to see transformation — in your attitude, behaviour, and approach to your responsibilities — which will show that you have gained real knowledge from this programme,” he added.

In his remarks, NFF Technical Director and course coordinator, Augustine Eguavoen, highlighted the importance of developing a distinct Nigerian football identity. He said the course is not only about technical knowledge but also about instilling coaching philosophies, behavioural standards, and strategic thinking in line with Nigeria’s football culture.

“Nigeria has a unique football style, and this course aims to ensure our educators preserve and enhance that identity. We must take ownership of our development. That’s why all 15 participants are Nigerians, with no foreign facilitators,” Eguavoen explained.

He emphasized that coaching styles must remain adaptable to opponents, but national teams must align with an established philosophy. “It’s okay to evolve, but we must not deviate completely from what defines us,” he said, adding that the newly appointed national team coach will also work in harmony with this approach.

On the selection of participants, Eguavoen said CAF set strict criteria: each participant must possess at least a CAF B license, have active coaching experience within the last five years, and be between 40 and 55 years old.

Among the 15 participants are:Christopher Danjuma – Former Super Falcons Head CoachOladuni Oyekale – Ex-Nigeria international and former 5-a-side national team coachMansur Abdullahi – Former Super Falcons Assistant Coach.

Other include; Bunmi Haruna – Former Golden Eaglets Assistant Coach and sports journalist, Usman Haruna Ilerika – FCT FA Secretary, Adanna Nwaneri, Hakeem Busari Ishola, Felix Evodi (Italy-based), and others

Also present were NFF’s Head of Coach Education, Dr. Terry Eguaoje; CAF Instructor Michael Amenga; and other technical officials. Eguavoen concluded by stressing that participants’ performance will be rigorously evaluated, with successful candidates expected to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s grassroots and elite coaching structures.

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Sports

PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Earns World Athletics Label

Published

2 days ago

October 29, 2025

The Gleamer

Nigeria’s foremost Sports Company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) has announced the second edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, set to light up Nigeria’s capital city on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

With the theme “Steady Strides,” this year’s race captures the measured rhythm and determined pace that define world-class long-distance running, a reflection of the steady progress and ambitious vision shaping the marathon’s evolution into a global platinum-labelled event.

In a historic milestone for Nigerian sports, the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially awarded the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition, a distinction achieved in record time. This remarkable feat makes it the first marathon globally to earn the label so swiftly, underscoring both the organizational excellence of NSML and the dynamic rise of PremiumTrust Bank, currently celebrated as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commercial bank.

The 2025 edition is expected to attract elite international athletes, top local runners, and marathon enthusiasts from around the world, alongside officials from World Athletics who will oversee the competition.

Speaking on the announcement, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, expressed excitement about the unique partnership with PremiumTrust Bank.

“This second edition is fundamentally unique because it represents the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation and arguably, globally. PremiumTrust Bank is not just a sponsor but the sole partner anchoring the establishment, organization, and consolidation of a global marathon in Nigeria’s capital city.

” We are proud and grateful for the bank’s visionary leadership, which not only recognized the immense potential of the first edition but is now single-handedly driving the race toward international acclaim.”

Managing Director of PremiumTrust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON) emphasized the shared values underpinning the partnership.

“PremiumTrust Bank is built on the philosophy of rapid, impactful, and sustainable growth, and the theme of this year’s marathon perfectly reflects our operational ethos.”

“Attaining World Athletics Label status in just the second year validates that our investment is yielding world-class outcomes. We are deeply proud to be the sole partner building this monumental legacy, reinforcing our commitment to sports development, community wellbeing, excellence, and platforms where champions are made.”

The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of endurance, athleticism, and community spirit, further strengthening Abuja’s status on the global racing calendar.

Registration for participants is currently open as it promises to be another marathon spectacle on the 6th of December 2025.

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