Nigeria’s coaching education programme has received a major boost as the country hosts the CAF A Coaching Course for the first time in more than nine years, attracting several prominent coaches and former internationals.

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

The return of the CAF A course marks a significant development in Nigeria’s coaching pathway after a prolonged absence from the CAF coaching calendar.

For almost a decade, the lack of regular CAF A-level training opportunities in Nigeria left several coaches unable to complete the certification required for certain continental engagements, while also limiting their progression within the professional game.

Determined to reverse the situation, Eguaoje developed a curriculum designed to reflect the Nigerian football environment and spearheaded efforts towards restoring Nigeria’s participation in the CAF Coaching Convention.

The renewed programme has already attracted some of the country’s leading coaching figures.

Among those participating are former Super Eagles head coach and current Rivers United manager Finidi George, Rangers International technical adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu, former Sunshine Stars and Akwa United coach Kennedy Boboye, former Rangers and El-Kanemi Warriors coach Imama Amapakabo, and former Nigerian international Edema Fuludu.

They are joined by several other experienced coaches who are taking advantage of the programme to strengthen their qualifications and enhance their technical knowledge.

The CAF A Licence is regarded as an important stage in the professional development of coaches seeking to operate at the highest levels of African football.

According to the organisers, CAF coaching courses are expected to reflect the football realities of individual member associations while maintaining the technical and educational standards established by the continental body.

The Abuja programme is therefore being delivered under the supervision of Eguaoje, alongside other CAF instructors, with emphasis on combining international coaching standards with the specific demands of Nigerian football.

The development is expected to have implications beyond the participating coaches, particularly for clubs competing in CAF inter-club competitions and the broader domestic league system.

With more coaches able to obtain CAF-recognised qualifications, Nigerian clubs should have a wider pool of locally trained coaches eligible for continental assignments.

The programme is also expected to contribute to improving technical standards across Nigeria’s professional leagues and, ultimately, the national teams.

For coaches who have waited several years for the opportunity, the commencement of the Abuja course represents more than a certification exercise.

It signals the reopening of an important pathway in Nigeria’s football development system, with expectations that CAF B, A and eventually Pro Licence courses will become regular components of the country’s coaching education calendar.

The renewed focus on coaching education could therefore become an important part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s football development structure from the grassroots through the professional and international levels.