NFF Reaffirms Drive to Elevate Coaching and Refereeing Standards

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has restated its commitment to improving the quality of Nigerian coaches and referees through structured development programmes aimed at preparing them for top-level global football.

Speaking on behalf of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau at the opening of a six-day CAF B refresher course in Abuja on Monday, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said several ongoing initiatives are designed to build capacity across key areas of Nigerian football administration.

Sanusi noted that recent programmes, including the Young Talent scheme, Beach Soccer development, and FIFA Elite Referees training, form part of a broader strategy to strengthen technical expertise in the country.

He also confirmed Nigeria’s return to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) A-License Coaching Convention, describing it as a major step forward for Nigerian coaches seeking the highest levels of certification. According to him, the NFF Technical Department is working to resume the CAF A-License course in Nigeria in August for the first time in nine years.

Sanusi, who also served as an instructor at the course, urged participants to demonstrate commitment and discipline, stressing that performance in the current CAF B refresher programme would determine progression. Out of 50 participants, only 25 will be selected for the upcoming CAF A-License course, which he said would maintain very high standards while still allowing future opportunities for others who are not selected initially.

He added that once the August edition is completed, the NFF will immediately seek approval from CAF for another cycle to expand access to certification.

On refereeing development, Sanusi disclosed that the NFF is also strengthening its support structure, including approval from Gusau—who also serves as President of the West African Football Union B zone—for the movement of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) training equipment into Nigeria. He also highlighted collaboration with the National Institute of Sports to launch a diploma programme in sports management.

NFF Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen expressed satisfaction with ongoing reforms in coaching education, noting that the focus is on building a sustainable system where trained professionals can continue to advance Nigerian football regardless of personnel changes.

Among participants in the CAF B-License refresher course are several well-known Nigerian coaches, including Fidelis Ilechukwu, Kennedy Boboye, Adanna Nwaneri, Ladan Bosso, Imama Amapakabo, Edema Fuludu, Aliyu Zubairu, Edith Agoye, Olatunji Baruwa, Charity Enwerem, Gregory Ikhenoba, Rollandson Odeh, Abdul Maikaba, Eugene Agagbe, Patrick Bassey, Abdullahi Biffo, Mansur Abdullahi, Haruna Ilerika, and John Obuh.

The NFF says these training programmes are part of a long-term plan to raise standards in Nigerian football and ensure coaches and referees are competitive at both continental and global levels.