A coalition of 29 certified CAF instructors in Nigeria says that the Nigeria Football Federation’s technical director, Austin Eguavoen, has been conducting a series of CAF D coaching courses in Bayelsa, Edo, Delta, Ogun and Osun states with only Dr. Terry Eguaoje and an unqualified assistant, effectively marginalising the rest of the coaching cohort.
The instructors allege that they were deliberately excluded from the programmes despite holding the requisite qualifications. One coach, who asked to remain anonymous, described the arrangement as “very unprofessional” and added that the move had rendered the other 27 instructors “redundant”. Another instructor pointed out that the courses could have been run simultaneously across multiple venues, allowing a broader pool of coaches to participate.
What triggered the dispute?
The grievance surfaced after Eguavoen began travelling with only Dr. Terry Eguaoje and a man identified as Fatai Akanji, who, according to the aggrieved coaches, lacks the certification required to deliver course material. The instructors argue that the limited team violates CAF’s standards for course delivery and undermines the development pathway for Nigerian coaches.
Who has intervened?
The controversy escalated when the Director General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Philip Shuaibu, stepped in to mediate. Shuaibu’s involvement signals the seriousness of the dispute, especially as it coincides with the impending renewal of Eguavoen’s contract as NFF technical director, which is due to expire shortly.
Key facts at a glance
- Number of CAF instructors claiming exclusion:
29.
- States where the courses were held: Bayelsa, Edo, Delta, Ogun, Osun.
- Personnel reportedly conducting the courses: Austin Eguavoen, Dr. Terry Eguaoje, and Fatai Akanji.
- Quote from a disgruntled instructor: “What Eguavoen is doing is very unprofessional; he has made the rest of us redundant even though we are all qualified.”
- Intervention by NIS DG Philip Shuaibu amid contract renewal talks for Eguavoen.
Background on the coaching programme
CAF D courses are the highest level of coaching certification in Africa, intended to equip coaches with advanced tactical, technical, and managerial skills. Traditionally, these courses rotate among several states to maximise accessibility for qualified coaches nationwide. The current concentration of sessions in a handful of states deviates from that model, prompting concerns over fairness and professional standards.
Potential implications
If the dispute remains unresolved, it could affect the pipeline of qualified coaches feeding into Nigeria’s club and national teams. Moreover, the controversy may influence the decision on whether Eguavoen’s contract is extended, given the mounting criticism from within the coaching community.
The situation remains fluid, with the NFF yet to issue an official response. Stakeholders await clarification on the selection criteria for course facilitators and a possible review of the scheduling process to ensure broader inclusion of qualified coaches across the country.