The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially reinstated Nigeria into the CAF A Coaching Convention, ending a nine-year absence and clearing the way for advanced coaching certification courses to resume in the country.
The development means the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) can now restart CAF A licence programmes locally, a move widely welcomed by stakeholders in Nigerian football who have long pushed for the return of the elite coaching pathway.
In a formal communication to the NFF, CAF Coaching Education Project Manager, Jaida Zakaria, confirmed approval of the submitted curriculum and outlined the next steps for implementation.
“We are pleased to inform you that the CAF A course curriculum submitted by NFF has been approved. You can now proceed with submitting a request for a CAF A course through the CMS, subject to an inspection visit,” the letter stated.
The CAF A licence is regarded as one of the highest coaching qualifications in African football and is required for managing top-tier clubs and national teams on the continent.
Reacting to the approval, NFF Head of Coaching Education, Dr Terry Babatunde Eguaoje, described the development as a significant breakthrough for Nigerian coaching education.
“This is truly huge, after nine years. Admission into the CAF A coaching convention is a big deal.
”This is in addition to the CAF D, C and B that had been approved at various times by CAF,” he said.
NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, also expressed satisfaction with the approval, noting that preparations would begin immediately for the first CAF A coaching course in Nigeria since 2017.
He said the development is expected to strengthen coaching standards, improve grassroots development, and reduce the need for Nigerian coaches to travel abroad for certification.
Meanwhile, excitement is building ahead of the 2026 Unity Cup, with organisers announcing SMADE Entertainment Group as the official entertainment partner for the tournament.
The competition, scheduled to hold from May 26 to May 30 at The Valley in London, will feature Nigeria, Jamaica, Zimbabwe, and India in a blend of football and cultural celebration.
Founder of SMADE Entertainment Group, Adesegun Adeosun Jr, described the partnership as part of a broader mission to promote unity and cultural connection across diaspora communities.
“For over 22 years, SMADE has existed to serve our communities. Unity Cup is the perfect stage for what comes next. Four nations. Four cultures. One unstoppable voice. This is football. This is culture. This is us,” he said.
The tournament would open with Nigeria facing Zimbabwe on May 26, while Jamaica take on India on May 27.
Winners would meet in the final on May 30, with a third-place match also scheduled the same day.
Organisers said the event would combine football with music, cuisine, and cultural showcases from all participating nations, reinforcing its reputation as a celebration of sport and diversity
