FCAAN boosts coaching education in Nigeria

 

By Ohiole Esezobor

 

 

 

 

 

Coaching education has experienced a turnaround in Nigeria since the Nigeria Football Federation licensed the renowned coaching education brand, the Football Coaches for African Nations (FCAAN) cover the gap in coaching.

Hitherto, coaching programmes were limited and little or nothing existed at grassroots level, which is starting point of every footballer.

A few who could afford the fees travelled abroad for Courses in Europe and the United States of America.

Today, the narrative is changing with the amazing coaching education from the FCAAN brand.

In what is a major shot in the arm for Coaching Education programme in the country, FCAAN has clearly provided the pathway.

The premise is that well-trained coaches will help nurture good footballers and raise overall standards across the continent.

Led by Dr. Terry Babatunde Eguaoje, FCAAN, developed its curriculum in line with global best practices and has since become the reference point in coaching, not just in Nigeria, but in the African continent.

With members spread across all corners of the country, FCAAN is today the largest independent coaching organisation in the continent and can only be compared to the United Soccer Coaches, (formerly called National Soccer Coaches Association of America), in the USA.

 

Lagos

 

 

Nigeria’s commercial nerve Centre, Lagos, has been home to the FCAAN Coaching Instructors led by Global Technical Director, Eldred Sunju-Abbey, for the past five days after the conclusion of a similar programme, in the Edo State capital, Benin-City.

Coaches from Kaduna, Anambra, Ogun and Lagos states converged on the state capital, Ikeja, for the F and E Courses.

It was a second bite of the cherry for Lagos coaches as FCAAN had earlier completed a programme at Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government.

The F Course was completed on Friday, September 23, while the E Course was a three-day programme from Saturday, September 24 through Monday, September 26.

Participants were excited with the coaching  curriculum, which exposed them to several aspects of the game.

Group Courses showcased the essence of coaching education, just as the practical demonstration equally enhanced understanding of attacking and defending play.

 

Testimonials

The presence of  Ghana’s 1963 and 1965 African Cup of Nations winner, Ganiyu Salami, who also represented Nigeria, provided a platform for interaction amongst three generations of coaches.

Salami, an FCAAN Ambassador, who coached in four countries: Gabon, Benin, Ghana and Nigeria applauded the unique FCAAN Coaching Methodology.

Clearly one of the best during his time, Salami, developed players across the West Coast, who are now renowned coaches.

He said: “I spent few hours here and my knowledge of the beautiful game is refreshed. Nigerian coaches will be better for this.

“I am pleased to see FCAAN’s Global Technical Director, Eldred Sunju-Abbey, who was my player about 40 years ago and our entire team do an outstanding transfer of knowledge. FCAAN is changing the narratives.”

Celebrated SuperSport Football Expert Analyst cum Sports Brand Specialist, Ojeikere Aikhoje, who serves as Director of Football at Lagos based non-league side, Team360FC and former ABS FC star, Sala Abiodun, were amongst participants at the FCAAN programme.

In the words of Aikhoje: “FCAAN has simplified coaching for Nigerians. Many thanks to the NFF for licensing FCAAN. I have always believed coaching should be made easy and FCAAN has done that.

“Classes were stimulating and the facilitators were excellent. They made the classes participatory and friendly in adaptation.”

“I had an amazing time here,” Abiodun, who presently serves as an assistant coach at Lagos based second tier side, Ottasolo FC said.

With upcoming D and C Courses set for October and November, FCAAN continues to enhance the quality of coaching in the country.