The opening ceremony of the NFF CAF D Licence Coaching Course hosted by the Osun State Football Association kicked off in grand style at the beautiful edifice of the biggest football academy in the land, Lanreleke Sports Academy, Ileogbo, Osun State.

The serene and world-class environment provided a perfect atmosphere for learning as 40 coaches, facilitators, football administrators and community leaders converged for the landmark coaching education programme aimed at upgrading grassroots coaching knowledge in the state.

Welcoming guests, facilitators and participants, the Chairman of Osun FA noted that knowledge is power and participants are lucky to be tutored by high-profile resource persons led by former Super Eagles handler Coach Austin Eguavoen.

Other top facilitators include NFF Head of Coaching Education, Terry Eguaoje, ex-international Edema Fuludu and other seasoned instructors. He described the gathering as a demonstration of commitment to learning, personal development and community progress.

In his welcome address, the FA Chairman said, “One of the most important lessons I have learned in life is that we must never stop seeking knowledge. Knowledge gives us the power to understand our environment, make informed decisions, solve problems, and create opportunities for ourselves and others. As the saying goes, knowledge is power.”

He further charged participants to take the training back to their communities, stressing that the success of the course should not be measured only by what happens within the venue but by the positive changes created outside. “When we share knowledge, we multiply its benefits. One person can educate another, who can then educate many others,” he added.

He also used the occasion to appreciate supporters of the programme, especially the host and owner of Lanreleke Sports Academy, facilitators, technical advisers and community leaders, while calling for greater cooperation and investment in children and young people. According to him, children represent the future and every meaningful effort to improve their lives is worthwhile.

Also speaking at the ceremony, former international and member of Oyo State Football Association, Mutiu Adepoju, popularly nicknamed ‘Headmaster’, admonished participants to listen attentively and be determined to become better coaches at the end of the course.

In the same vein, the founder of the academy, Lanre Adeleke, through his brother, who is the Project Manager of Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Ltd., Lekan Adeleke welcomed participants and disclosed that the institution celebrated its 5th year anniversary last month. He noted that the academy has been supporting government and football administrators and will continue to support football development in Osun and Nigeria at large.

The ceremony was also graced by Osun State Football Association board members and the hierarchy of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association led by Bayo Adesina. With 40 participants ready to be drilled and moulded into better coaches during the duration of the course, Mayor Sola Fanawopo afterwards declared the training session officially open to the admiration of all present.