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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