9-year wait ends as Finidi, Ilechukwu, Fuludu, other top coaches begin CAF A course in Abuja

9-year wait ends as Finidi, Ilechukwu, Fuludu, other top coaches begin CAF A course in Abuja

Nigeria’s coaching education has gotten a major boost as the country hosts the CAF A Coaching Course for the first time in over 9 years, with some of the biggest names in Nigerian football in attendance.

The course which commenced in Abuja is being coordinated by Dr. Terry Eguaoje, Head of Education at the Nigeria Football Federation and Founder/President of the Football Coaches Association of Africa Nations, FCAAN.

For nearly a decade, Nigeria was absent from the CAF A course calendar. The absence locked many elite coaches out of dugouts during continental competitions and stalled career progression at home.

Determined to end the drought, Dr Eguaoje, an American-based coach with two Doctorate degrees in soccer, developed a new curriculum suited for the Nigerian environment and led the push for Nigeria’s re-admission into the CAF Coaching Convention.

The return is already paying off. Among the top coaches taking part in this edition are former Super Eagles Head Coach and current Rivers United gaffer, Finidi George, Rangers International Technical Adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu, former Sunshine Stars and Akwa United coach Kennedy Boboye, former Rangers and El Kanemi coach Imama Amapakabo, and ex-International Edema Fuludu. They are joined by many other top Nigerian coaches seeking to upgrade their certification.

CAF courses as designed especially its A License courses must suit each country’s football environment, and this Abuja class will be handled by Dr Eguaoje alongside other top CAF instructors to ensure global standard delivery.

Stakeholders say the course will not only give Nigerian clubs CAF-qualified coaches for continental engagements, but will also raise the standard of coaching across the league and national teams.

For coaches who have waited 9 years, the Abuja course signals a new era. With the NFF Education Department now back on track, plans are already in motion to make CAF B, A and Pro License courses a regular feature in Nigeria.