Nigeria has been readmitted into the Confederation of African Football (CAF) A Coaching Convention, ending a nine-year absence and clearing the path for the return of top-tier coaching education in the country.
The approval means the Nigeria Football Federation can now resume CAF A License coaching courses once it completes required administrative and inspection procedures.
In an official communication to the federation, CAF Coaching Education Project Manager, Jaida Zakaria, confirmed that Nigeria’s submitted curriculum for the CAF A coaching course has been approved.
“We are pleased to inform you that the CAF A course curriculum submitted by NFF has been approved. You may now proceed with requesting a CAF A course through the CMS, subject to an inspection visit,” the letter stated.
The CAF A License is the highest coaching certification under African football’s governing structure and is widely regarded as a requirement for managing top professional clubs and national teams across the continent.
Reacting to the development, the NFF Head of Coaching Education, Dr. Terry Babatunde Eguaoje, described the approval as a major milestone for coaching development in Nigeria, noting that it restores access to elite training pathways after nearly a decade.
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He added that the federation had already received approvals for CAF D, C, and B level coaching programmes, making the return of the A Licence the final step in the full coaching pathway restoration.
Also speaking, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said preparations would begin immediately to reintroduce the programme in Nigeria for the first time since 2017, adding that the federation considers the development a significant boost for technical capacity in local football.
The re-entry is expected to strengthen coaching standards, improve tactical development, and expand opportunities for Nigerian coaches aiming to work at elite levels both locally and internationally.
Meanwhile, attention is also shifting to the upcoming Unity Cup 2026 scheduled to hold in London from May 26 to 30, featuring Nigeria, Jamaica, Zimbabwe, and India.
Entertainment company SMADE Entertainment Group has been confirmed as the official entertainment partner for the tournament.
Founder of the group, Dr. Adesegun Adeosun Jr., said the partnership reflects the organisation’s long-standing focus on community engagement and cultural expression through global events.
Organisers of the Unity Cup say the tournament will combine football with cultural showcases, music, and international cuisine, aiming to promote unity among diaspora communities.
The competition will see Nigeria face Zimbabwe in one semi-final, while Jamaica take on India in the other, with the final and third-place matches scheduled for May 30.
