March 06, (THEWILL)- In a significant move aimed at revitalising coaching in Nigeria, 40 grassroots coaches are currently participating in a seven-day intensive coaching course in Abuja.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Nigeria Football Federation, underscores the Federation’s commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering the growth of the sport at the grassroots level.
During the opening ceremony of the first-ever NFF D-License Coaching Course on Tuesday, NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, emphasised the importance of diligence and ambition among coaches.Â
He stressed that the NFF is prepared to identify and work with the most promising individuals, providing them with opportunities to discover and nurture talents for the Under-15 and Under-16 National Teams.
“After this coaching course, we are going to start our U15 and U16 programs. This programme will commence at the State level, move through the zonal level and then peak at the National level.
“Through this programme, talents are going to be identified for nurturing. It is people who excel in this course that we are going to use at the State level. We cannot bring you here to train you and then abandon you to go and pick some other persons to work with us,” Gusau stated.
The NFF President emphasised the importance of dedication and passion, stating: “However, we must see that seriousness, diligence and passion in you to be ready to work with you. I will speak with your instructors to get me the list of those who distinguish themselves here and whom they can trust to deliver.”
In a separate development, the NFF expressed profound sadness over the passing of former Nigeria U20 Women National Team goalkeeper, Bidemi Aluko-Olaseni, who succumbed to cancer after battling the disease for nearly eight years. Aluko-Olaseni’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity have been widely acknowledged within the Nigerian football community.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
