Sports
2nd CAF Coaching Course Will Uplift Nigerian Football – NFF
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.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
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