The Nigeria Football Coaches Association NFCA, Oyo State Chapter, under the leadership of Coach Akinola Olatunji, has taken decisive action to reform football coaching in the state. In a significant step towards eradicating unlicensed coaching, the NFCA distributed operational licenses to 1,394 certified coaches across all 33 Local Government Areas. This marks a new phase of accountability and professional standards in football development.
This move is part of the Operation No License, No Practice campaign launched on May 29, aiming to eliminate quack coaches who operate without proper certification. HRM Oba James Odeniran, Chairman of the Oyo State Football Association, praised the initiative, highlighting its importance in addressing issues such as child trafficking in football. He noted that the initiative sets Oyo State apart as a leader in football development, ensuring that only certified professionals are allowed to coach.
Coach Olatunji reaffirmed the NFCA’s commitment to enforcing strict regulations, warning that any unlicensed individuals caught coaching will face serious repercussions. Coach Ayodeji Charles Adeyemo also lauded the effort, stating that it will safeguard young footballers and ensure their development is overseen by qualified professionals.
Editorial
The recent move by the Nigeria Football Coaches Association NFCA to enforce certification for football coaches in Oyo State is a step in the right direction. For too long, the football landscape has been plagued by unqualified coaches who, instead of fostering talent, exploit young athletes and put their development at risk. This initiative sends a clear message: only those with the necessary skills and credentials will be entrusted with the future of our football.
Professionalism in coaching is not just about tactics and game plans it’s about nurturing the next generation of players in an environment that prioritises safety, integrity, and proper development. By cracking down on quack coaches, the NFCA is setting a standard that should be adopted across the country. Oyo State’s leadership in this area could be the catalyst for widespread reform, ensuring that football, one of Nigeria’s most cherished sports, is held to the highest standards.
The involvement of respected figures such as HRM Oba James Odeniran and Coach Olatunji adds weight to this initiative. Their backing underscores the importance of accountability and highlights the dangers posed by unqualified coaches. Child trafficking and other forms of exploitation are significant issues in Nigerian football, and eliminating those without proper credentials is a vital first step in tackling these problems.
We strongly support this drive to ensure that all coaches meet the required standards. The future of Nigerian football is bright, but only if we continue to protect and nurture our young athletes in a professional environment. With the NFCA taking such bold action, we are confident that Oyo State will set a new benchmark in football coaching.
Did You Know?
- The NFCA is one of Nigeria’s oldest football organisations, dating back to its establishment in the 1950s.
- In many countries, coaching without proper certification can result in heavy fines or suspension from coaching for life.
- Oyo State is home to one of Nigeria’s most prestigious football academies, Shooting Stars Sports Club Academy.
- FIFA mandates that all national and local football coaches must be licensed to maintain the quality of football training and protect players.
- Coach education in Nigeria follows a tiered system, with different levels of certification depending on experience and expertise.
