CAF Readmits Nigeria to A Coaching Convention After 9-Year Absence
CAF has readmitted Nigeria to its prestigious CAF A Coaching Convention, ending a nearly decade-long wait that had blocked local organization of top-tier coaching courses. The decision, confirmed in a Wednesday letter from CAF's Coaching Education Project Manager Jaida Zakaria to the NFF, means Nigeria can once again conduct CAF A Licence courses locally for the first time since 2017.
The approval came after NFF submitted a curriculum that met CAF's requirements. With this pathway reopened, Nigerian coaches no longer need to seek certification abroad, easing a significant financial and logistical burden. The CAF A Licence is one of Africa's highest coaching qualifications and is required for coaches seeking to manage top-flight clubs and national teams across the continent.
NFF's Head of Coaching Education, Terry Eguaoje, described the approval as "truly huge, after nine years," noting it complements previously approved CAF D, C and B courses. NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi announced preparations would begin immediately for the first elite coaching course since 2017.
The development addresses a major gap in Nigeria's coaching development pipeline. For years, many coaches lamented the limited number of CAF A-certified coaches due to the programme's absence. Football analysts expect this to improve technical standards in the Nigeria Premier Football League and strengthen the country's long-term coaching capacity.
With Nigeria's return to the CAF A coaching convention, should the N prioritize expanding coaching education at elite levels or should focus remain on grassroots development to build a stronger foundation?