The Nigeria Football Federation has restated its commitment to improving the quality of coaches and referees in the country.
It said structured development programmes are already in place to raise officials capable of competing at global standards.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi made the remarks at the opening of a CAF B refresher course on Monday in Abuja.
He spoke on behalf of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau during the six-day training programme.
Sanusi said recent initiatives include Young Talent, Beach Soccer, and FIFA Elite Referees programmes.
He described them as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s football technical capacity.
He also confirmed Nigeria’s return to the CAF A-License Coaching Convention.
Sanusi said the development marked a major step for Nigerian coaches seeking top-level certification.
He added that the NFF Technical Department is working to resume CAF A-License courses in August.
He noted that it would be the first such programme in Nigeria in nine years.
Sanusi warned participants that only the best would qualify for advancement.
He said only 25 out of 50 participants would be selected for the next CAF A-License intake.
He urged coaches to show commitment and meet high performance standards.
Sanusi added that further certification opportunities would follow after the August programme.
He also said the federation is strengthening referee development structures nationwide.
He announced approval for the movement of VAR training equipment into Nigeria.
The equipment support was facilitated through the West African Football Union B framework.
Sanusi said this would enhance referee training and decision-making standards.
He also revealed collaboration with the National Institute of Sports on a diploma programme in sports management.
NFF Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen said progress in coach development has been encouraging.
He said continuous training would ensure sustained growth in Nigerian football.
Eguavoen added that leadership transitions would not disrupt ongoing reforms.
He pledged continued support for coaches and players’ development.
The training session featured several prominent Nigerian coaches.
Participants included Fidelis Ilechukwu, Ladan Bosso, Imama Amapakabo, Abdul Maikaba, and others.
The programme is part of ongoing efforts to raise technical standards in Nigerian football.
