The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has successfully concluded the CAF D Licence Coaching Course in Ileogbo, Osun State, hosted by the Osun State Football Association at the Lanreleke Sports Academy.

The programme, which drew 40 grassroots coaches from across the states of the federations, marked a major milestone in the drive to professionalise coaching at the grassroots level.

The intensive 60-hour course featured leadership, technical and practical sessions anchored by CAF Certified instructors led by the Technical Director of the NFF, Coach Augustine Owen Eguavoen.

Participants were drilled and armed with modern methodology in coaching, including age-appropriate training, player safety, talent identification, and contemporary approaches to youth development.

While speaking at the closing ceremony in Ileogbo, the Chairman of Osun State Football Association, Mayor Sola Fanawopo, congratulated all participants for their commitment and discipline, noting that their participation demonstrates a willingness to contribute meaningfully to football growth in Osun and Nigeria.

He emphasised that the future of Nigerian football depends significantly on the quality of coaches at the grassroots, stressing that coaches shape character, instill discipline, and lay the foundation upon which future stars are built.

Mayor Fanawopo stated that the D Licence course is crucial for strengthening technical knowledge and improving training methods for young players, but charged the coaches that obtaining a certificate must not be the end, but the beginning of continuous learning and professional excellence.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Osun FA to creating more opportunities for coach education, grassroots development, and discovery of young talents through deliberate investment in coaching, youth structures and competitions.

He therefore charged every participant to return to their clubs, academies, schools and communities as ambassadors of good coaching practice, to apply the knowledge acquired, mentor upcoming coaches, prioritise players’ welfare and uphold discipline, fairness, integrity and respect.

He appreciated the NFF, CAF, the instructors and all stakeholders, noting that the quality of football tomorrow will be determined by the quality of coaching provided today.

In his remarks, Coach Austin Eguavoen charged the participants never to rest on their oars, promising to guide and mentor them beyond the course, while noting that more training is needed across all states and that more trainers are needed to succeed the current generation.

Responding on behalf of the participants, Babajide Olusola Babatola was full of praise for the organisers and facilitators, declaring that they were richer in knowledge and Curriculum Vitae, and requested their inclusion in future development programmes such as the CAF C Licence course.