Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The first-ever CAF ‘A’ Licence Coaching Programme in the history of Nigeria started in Abuja monday, organised by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Before now, a number of CAF ‘B’ and ‘C’ Licence courses have been held in the country over the years. But the two-week programme that started at the FIFA Technical Centre, Abuja is the first CAF ‘A’ course in the country.
National Technical Director, Shaibu Amodu, is coordinating the programme alongside assistant technical directors Rafiu Yusuf and Siji Lagunju (both ex-Nigerian internationals), with former NFF General Secretaries Bolaji Ojo-Oba and Tijjani Yusuf, FIFA Advisor Linus Mba, former NFF Technical Director, Kashimawo Laloko and former Nigeria coaches Adegboye Onigbinde and James Peters among the resource persons.
“We are very happy that this programme is finally taking place. Previously, we had been doing CAF ‘B’ and ‘C’ courses. The ‘A’ Licence programme means that we are stepping up. I am also happy about the response of our coaches to this programme,” Amodu said in Abuja monday.
Assistant Director (Technical), Rafiu Yusuf, disclosed that over 40 persons registered for the two-week course, which will end on April 30.
Yesterday, Amodu introduced the course content to the participants, while Onigbinde and Laloko began the series on ‘Soccer Simplified’ which will last for a number of days. Laloko also spoke on ‘Fitness for Success in Football’ and ‘Typical Training Session.’
Today and Wednesday, the ‘Soccer Simplified’ series will continue, and on Thursday, Director of Sports Medicine in the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, Dr. Abdulkadir Muazu will speak on ‘Injuries and Rehabilitation, Recovery and Regeneration, Conditioning for Pros, Drug Testing and Fitness Testing Environmental Problems.’
Mr. Linus Mba will speak on ‘The Laws and the Coach; the Laws and the Spirit of the Game: Analysis of New Proposals.’
The programme is a 240-hour course, with the second phase billed for the mid-season period of the Nigeria Professional Football League next month.
