Former Super Eagles international Abiodun Obafemi has expressed mixed feelings regarding the Nigeria Football Federation’s, NFF plan to organize a CAF B-License Coaching Course in the country.
The NFF recently announced on its official website that it will host the four-month program, designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian coaches, both men and women, and equip them for present and future challenges.
The course, set to run from April 7 to August 25, 2025, will be delivered in modules and is open to coaches who meet specific eligibility criteria.
NFF Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen described the initiative as a critical step in improving the nation’s coaching standards.
“We are targeting a maximum number of 25 participants. Applicants will be provided with a CAF CMS registration link upon successful completion of the pre-course assessment and must pay a fee of N500,000 on or before March 31, 2025,” Eguavoen stated.
While Obafemi commended the NFF for taking this step, he highlighted the prolonged wait by many coaches, including himself, for such opportunities.
According to him, some coaches have even considered traveling to Morocco to obtain the CAF B-License due to delays in Nigeria.
“It’s a very good development, but it’s something they should do more often. Many of us have been waiting since 2017, and some are even thinking of going to Morocco because our football body hasn’t been proactive.
Limiting the number to 25 participants sounds very funny because, with the high number of coaches we have, 25 is just a drop in the ocean. It’s not good enough,” Obafemi stated.
The decision to cap the number of participants has drawn criticism, with calls for the NFF to expand the program to accommodate more coaches. Many believe that increasing accessibility to such courses is vital to improving the quality of coaching across Nigeria.
The upcoming course represents a step forward for Nigerian football, but it also underscores the need for more frequent and inclusive programs to ensure a broader impact on the nation’s coaching landscape.
