NFF Rolls Out Expanded Coaching, Refereeing Capacity Programmes as Gusau Pushes For Global Standards

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to raising the standard of coaching and refereeing in the country, unveiling a series of structured capacity-building programmes aimed at aligning Nigerian football officials with global best practices.

Speaking on behalf of the NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau MON, at the opening ceremony of a six-day CAF B-License refresher course in Abuja on Monday, the NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi MON, said ongoing reforms are designed to produce coaches and referees capable of performing at the highest level of world football.

Sanusi noted that recent initiatives, including the Young Talent programme, Beach Soccer development scheme, and FIFA Elite Referees training, form part of a broader technical strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s football ecosystem.

He also confirmed Nigeria’s reinstatement into the CAF A-License Coaching Convention, describing it as a major milestone for Nigerian coaches seeking top-level certification. According to him, the NFF Technical Department is already working towards resuming the CAF A-License course in Nigeria in August 2026, the first in nine years.

“The NFF, specifically the Technical Department, is now working assiduously towards resuming the CAF A-License course in Nigeria in August this year, for the first time in nine years,” Sanusi said.

He warned participants in the ongoing CAF B refresher course to demonstrate discipline and commitment, stressing that only 25 of the 50 attendees would eventually be selected for the upcoming CAF A-License programme.

“We have a total of 50 participants for the refresher course, but only 25 of you will be admitted for the CAF A-License course starting in August. We will set very high standards and only the best will cross the hurdle,” he added.

Sanusi further disclosed that the federation is also intensifying efforts in refereeing development. He said President Gusau has approved the provision of a vehicle from the West African Football Union B to transport Video Assistant Referee (VAR) training equipment into Nigeria to enhance referee education and technology adoption.

He added that the NFF is collaborating with the National Institute of Sports (NIS) to introduce a diploma programme in sports management, aimed at improving administrative and technical expertise within Nigerian sports.

The NFF Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen, expressed satisfaction with ongoing reforms, saying the country’s coaching structure is steadily improving.

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“I’m satisfied with what we have done so far and where we are taking Nigerian coaches. If I leave the office today, somebody will come and continue from here, but I am not leaving yet; I owe this to Nigerian coaches and players in terms of Nigeria football’s development,” Eguavoen said, drawing applause from participants.

The CAF B-License refresher course brought together some of Nigeria’s most experienced coaches, including Fidelis Ilechukwu, Kennedy Boboye, Ladan Bosso, Imama Amapakabo, Edema Fuludu, Aliyu Zubairu, Edith Agoye, Abdul Maikaba, John Obuh, among others.

The NFF said the programmes reflect its long-term vision of producing coaches, referees, and sports administrators capable of meeting international standards and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in global football.