NFF Launches D-License Coaching Course in Abuja with 40 Participants

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has kicked off a six-day D-License Coaching Course in Abuja, bringing together 40 aspiring coaches in a programme designed as the first step in professional football coaching.

At the opening session, NFF Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen described the course as a foundational stage for beginners and a prerequisite for advancing to the C-License programme.

“The D-License is in modules and for beginners, and it must last a minimum of 60 hours,” Eguavoen explained. “In football, just as in life, everything is in stages. We have a lot of talented young ones out there, and coaching them is very different from coaching adults. It requires special training.”

He further revealed that the initiative will not be limited to Abuja. “This course is not going to be a one-off. After this national programme, we will take it to the Zones, and subsequently to the States,” the former Super Eagles coach said.

The D-License programme is part of the NFF’s wider technical development drive. In the last year, the federation has hosted several milestone courses, including:

• The record-setting CAF C-License course for women coaches (July–September 2024) with 30 participants.
• The CAF B-License programme in April 2025 with another 30 participants.
• A Coach Educators’ Course in July 2025, training 25 participants.

With 40 new coaches now enrolled, the NFF says it is committed to building a stronger coaching foundation that will nurture young football talents across Nigeria.