Nigeria has not hosted CAF coaching license courses since 2018, leaving a significant gap in the development of local coaches. Promised courses for CAF B License participants were never organized, despite fees being collected. Many coaches have abandoned the profession, emigrated, or passed away, while others are left with outdated certifications. Employers in the country continue to hire based on expired licenses, contributing to the preference for foreign coaches. Recent attempts to restart licensing programs, such as the CAF C course for women coaches, offer hope, but the damage caused by years of neglect is immense.

 

Nigeria’s Decline in CAF Licensing: The Cost to Football Development

 

The absence of CAF licensing courses in Nigeria has led to stagnation in grassroots development, reduced competitiveness in African football, and an erosion of Nigeria’s regional influence. The failure to prioritize coaching education has forced some coaches to pursue UEFA or FIFA licenses abroad, bypassing local systems. Meanwhile, nations like Morocco and South Africa have surged ahead, producing a wealth of qualified coaches.

 

From Leader to Laggard: How Nigeria Lost Ground in African Coaching Education

 

Once a hub for CAF coaching courses, Nigeria has ceded its influence to other nations due to a lack of commitment to hosting programs. Administrative hurdles, outdated facilities, and the absence of certified instructors have all contributed to the country’s inability to meet CAF’s requirements. This neglect has hindered Nigeria’s grassroots football development and diminished its competitiveness on the continental stage.

 

The Broader Impact of Nigeria’s Licensing Gap

 

1. Erosion of Grassroots Development: Without certified coaches, grassroots programs have suffered, leaving a vacuum in talent identification and youth training.

2. Reduced Competitiveness: Clubs representing Nigeria in CAF competitions circumvent licensing rules, leading to underperformance.

3. Economic Implications: Hosting courses generates revenue, but Nigeria’s absence has shifted these opportunities to other nations.

4. Loss of Regional Influence: Nigeria, once a regional leader, now lags behind countries like Ghana and Morocco in coaching education.

 

Reviving Nigeria’s Coaching Standards: Steps Forward

 

1. Resolve Administrative Barriers: Address the reasons behind delayed courses and unreturned registration fees.

2. Upgrade Infrastructure: Invest in modern facilities and partner with private organizations for funding.

3. Train Local Instructors: Develop certified instructors to reduce reliance on foreign expertise.

4. Prioritize Grassroots Licenses: Subsidize CAF C licenses to encourage broader participation.

5. Rebuild CAF Relationships: Engage proactively with CAF to regain hosting rights.

 

The Way Forward: Strengthening Nigeria’s Coaching Foundation

 

Nigeria’s prolonged absence from CAF coaching programs has weakened its football ecosystem. To reclaim its leadership in African football, the NFF must urgently address administrative issues, upgrade infrastructure, and rebuild partnerships with CAF. The nation’s football future depends on a strong coaching foundation—starting with renewed investment in licensing and development.