CAF readmits Nigeria into prestigious CAF A Coaching Convention.
CAF re-admits Nigeria into elite coaching convention after nine years
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially readmitted Nigeria into its prestigious CAF A Coaching Convention, reopening the pathway for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to organise top-tier coaching licence courses locally.
The development marks the end of a nearly decade-long wait and has been described by football administrators and coaching experts as a major boost for technical development in Nigerian football.
In a letter addressed to the NFF, CAF’s Coaching Education Project Manager, Jaida Zakaria, confirmed that the federation’s submitted curriculum met the required continental standards.
“The CAF A course curriculum submitted by the NFF has been approved.”
The approval means Nigeria can now conduct CAF A Licence coaching courses locally for the first time since 2017, reducing the need for coaches to travel abroad for certification.
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Nigerian football stakeholders welcome the return of CAF A courses.
The CAF A Licence is one of the highest coaching qualifications in African football and is required for coaches aiming to manage top-flight clubs and national teams.
Reacting to the development, the NFF’s Head of Coaching Education, Terry Eguaoje, described the approval as a landmark achievement for Nigerian football.
“Admission into the CAF A coaching convention is a huge achievement after nine years.”
Nigeria previously organised its first CAF A Licence course in 2016, but later lost approval to continue the programme locally, creating a significant gap in elite coaching development.
The absence of regular CAF A courses had raised concerns among stakeholders, with many warning that the shortage of certified coaches could affect standards in domestic football.
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Experts believe coaching education is vital for Nigerian football growth.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said preparations would begin immediately for a fresh round of elite coaching education in the country.
“The NFF will commence preparations in earnest for the first CAF A-License coaching course since 2017.”
The latest development aligns with recent efforts by the federation to revive coaching education through CAF B and CAF C Licence programmes, including specialised courses for women coaches.
Football analysts believe the return of the CAF A programme could improve technical standards in the Nigeria Premier Football League and strengthen the country’s long-term coaching capacity.
Despite Nigeria’s status as one of Africa’s biggest football nations, concerns have persisted over inadequate investment in coaching education compared to other leading football countries on the continent.
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(Source: CAF & Nigeria Football Federation)
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Will the return of CAF A coaching courses help improve the quality of coaching and football development in Nigeria?
Strong football nations are built not only on talented players but also on quality coaching systems. Expanding elite coaching education could play a major role in strengthening Nigerian football from grassroots to professional level.