The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially readmitted Nigeria into the prestigious CAF A Coaching Convention, ending nearly a decade-long wait and paving the way for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to resume CAF A coaching licence courses in the country.

The development has been widely welcomed within Nigeria’s football community, particularly among coaches who have long awaited the return of the advanced certification programme.

In a letter addressed to the NFF, CAF’s Coaching Education Project Manager, Jaida Zakaria, confirmed the approval of the curriculum submitted by the federation.

“We are pleased to inform you that the CAF A course curriculum submitted by NFF has been approved. You can now proceed with submitting a request for a CAF A course through the CMS, subject to an inspection visit,” the letter stated.

Reacting to the breakthrough, NFF Head of Coaching Education, Dr Terry Babatunde Eguaoje, described the approval as a major milestone for football development in Nigeria.

“This is truly huge, after nine years. Admission into the CAF A coaching convention is a big deal. This is in addition to the CAF D, C and B that had been approved at various times by CAF,” he said.

The CAF A licence is one of the highest coaching certifications on the continent and is regarded as essential for coaches seeking to manage elite clubs and national teams in Africa.

Also speaking on the development, NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, expressed delight over the federation’s successful return into the convention, saying preparations would begin immediately for the first CAF A coaching course in Nigeria since 2017.

The approval is expected to boost the capacity of Nigerian coaches, strengthen grassroots and elite football development, and reduce the need for coaches to travel abroad for advanced certification.

Meanwhile, excitement is also building ahead of the 2026 Unity Cup as organisers announced SMADE Entertainment Group as the tournament’s official entertainment partner.

The competition, scheduled to hold from May 26 to 30 at The Valley in London, will feature Nigeria, Jamaica, Zimbabwe, and India in a blend of football and cultural celebration.

British-Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of SMADE Entertainment Group, Adesegun Adeosun Jr, described the partnership as a continuation of the organisation’s mission of promoting culture and unity across diaspora communities.

“For over 22 years, SMADE has existed to serve our communities. Unity Cup is the perfect stage for what comes next. Four nations. Four cultures. One unstoppable voice. This is football. This is culture. This is us,” he said.

The tournament will open with Nigeria taking on Zimbabwe in the first semi-final on May 26, while Jamaica face India in the second semi-final on May 27. Winners will advance to the final on May 30, with a third-place playoff also scheduled for the same day.

Organisers said the event would combine elite football with music, food, and cultural showcases representing all four participating nations, reinforcing the tournament’s reputation as a celebration of sport, diversity, and community engagement. (AriseNews TV)