The National Institute for Sports (NIS), in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has revived the CAF D Licence Coaching Course at the Institute in Lagos after a 42-year absence, marking a significant milestone in the country's football coaching development.

The five day capacity-building programme, which runs from November 9 to 13, 2026, at the NIS Conference Hall, was officially declared open by the Director-General of the Institute, H.E. Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Shaibu expressed excitement over the historic return of the coaching programme, describing it as a major step towards restoring the NIS's position as a leading centre for sports education and development in Nigeria and across Africa.

He acknowledged that the Institute, which was once regarded as a premier sports education hub on the continent, had witnessed a decline in its standing as other African countries continued to develop their sports institutions and, in some areas, moved ahead of Nigeria.

According to him, reclaiming that lost position requires renewed commitment, institutional reforms, capacity development and the adoption of international best practices.

Shaibu commended the growing collaboration between the NIS, NFF and the National Sports Commission, noting that the partnership was already yielding positive results in efforts to strengthen sports development and coaching education.

He urged participants to approach the training with seriousness and a determination to become future CAF and FIFA instructors, stressing that the programme should go beyond obtaining certificates to producing competent coaches capable of training and mentoring others.

Emphasising the importance of technical knowledge, the NIS boss described modern football as a science that requires proper understanding, tactical awareness and the application of scientific principles, rather than relying solely on passion for the game.

He challenged the participants to return to the fundamentals of football, continually improve their knowledge and embrace modern coaching methods capable of enhancing player development and overall performance.

In a related development, Shaibu disclosed the Institute's strategic plans to establish physical offices across Nigeria's 36 states and extend its operations into local government areas as part of efforts to democratise sports education and make professional training more accessible.

The revival of the CAF D Licence Coaching Course after 42 years represents a major landmark in the ongoing repositioning of the NIS, reinforcing its commitment to producing qualified coaches, raising football standards and contributing to the sustainable development of Nigerian sports.