Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen has praised the Ogun State Football Association for its efforts to improve grassroots coaching standards through professional training and certification, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Eguavoen gave the commendation on Monday in Ijebu-Ode while receiving a delegation from the Ogun FA and the state chapter of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA), ahead of the CAF D Coaching Course scheduled for October 21 to 26, 2026.
The former Super Eagles defender singled out Ogun FA chairman Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi for making coaching education a priority, stressing that qualified coaches are essential to the long-term growth of Nigerian football.
According to Eguavoen, Nigeria has continued to produce talented coaches, but the changing demands of the modern game make structured training and professional certification increasingly necessary.
"We have had many good coaches over the years, and we still have a lot of good coaches today. There is no doubt about that. However, CAF is taking coaching to another level because the demands of the profession have evolved, and there are now several aspects of coaching that require specialised knowledge and training," Eguavoen said.
The NFF technical director explained that coaching qualifications provide a clear pathway for practitioners to improve their skills and progress through the different levels of the profession.
He added that practical experience and passion for football remain valuable, but must be supported by the technical knowledge needed to meet modern coaching standards.
Eguavoen therefore encouraged grassroots coaches to take advantage of the forthcoming programme, describing coaching education as an important step towards building successful careers and improving the quality of football development in the country.
He also reaffirmed the NFF's commitment to initiatives that strengthen coaching capacity, noting that investment at the grassroots level is crucial to developing a stronger football structure nationwide.
The six-day CAF D Coaching Course is being organised by the Ogun FA in partnership with the NFCA under the leadership of Coach Victor Agbagu.
Speaking during the visit, Majekodunmi said his administration remained committed to providing grassroots coaches with opportunities to improve their technical knowledge, obtain recognised qualifications and advance their careers.
The Ogun FA chairman also assured Eguavoen that the association was prepared to host the programme, expressing confidence that participants would acquire useful skills to improve their coaching methods and contribute to the development of young players.
The initiative forms part of the state association's broader effort to strengthen grassroots football by investing in coaching education and increasing the number of qualified personnel capable of identifying and nurturing emerging talents.
With the course set to begin on October 21, participating coaches will have an opportunity to enhance their professional competence and prepare for the evolving demands of the coaching profession.