The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially readmitted Nigeria into the CAF A Coaching Convention, marking a significant milestone for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). This decision enables the NFF to resume organizing CAF A coaching courses, a development that has been eagerly anticipated by the nation's coaching community after a prolonged period of waiting.
Official Communication from CAF
In a letter addressed to the NFF on Wednesday, CAF's Coaching Education Project Manager, Jaida Zakaria, confirmed the approval. The correspondence stated: 'We are pleased to inform you that the CAF A course curriculum submitted by NFF has been approved. You can now proceed with submitting a request for a CAF A course through the CMS, subject to an inspection visit.'
Reaction from NFF Officials
Dr Terry Babatunde Eguaoje, the NFF's Head of Coaching Education, expressed his excitement over the development. He remarked: 'This is truly huge, after nine years! Admission into the CAF A coaching convention is a big deal. This is in addition to the CAF D, C and B that had been approved at various times by CAF.'
Dr Mohammed Sanusi, the NFF General Secretary and a CAF coaching instructor, also shared his elation. He stated: 'We are elated by this positive development for the cause of coaching in our country. The NFF will commence preparations in earnest to put logistics in place for the first CAF A-License coaching course in this country since 2017.'
Implications for Nigerian Football
The reinstatement is expected to significantly enhance the quality of coaching in Nigeria, providing local coaches with access to top-tier training and certification. This move aligns with CAF's broader efforts to improve football standards across the continent.
