No fewer than 40 grassroots football coaches from the 25 Local Football Councils across Delta State are participating in a week-long CAF D Licence Coaching Course in Asaba, as part of efforts to improve football coaching standards and nurture young talents at the grassroots.

The training programme, organised by the Delta Football Association (DFA) in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), is designed to equip participants with modern coaching techniques, player development strategies and the technical knowledge required to meet the standards of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Sponsored by FPG Technology and Solutions Ltd, the initiative underscores the growing commitment of stakeholders to capacity building and sustainable football development in Delta State.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, represented by the Director-General, Emuobo Egalase, described the programme as a major opportunity for coaches who are yet to obtain coaching licences.

He said the participants would benefit immensely from the wealth of experience of the facilitators, many of whom are former international footballers and seasoned instructors.

According to him, the knowledge acquired during the training should be transferred to communities across the state, where the coaches are expected to mentor and develop the next generation of footballers.

He urged the participants to remain focused and fully committed throughout the programme, stressing that the certification would enhance their professional careers while improving grassroots football coaching in Delta State.

Leading the team of facilitators are former Super Eagles captain and NFF Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen, alongside former Super Eagles midfielder and CAF Technical Instructor, Edema Fuludu.

The course features a blend of classroom lectures and practical field sessions covering the Laws of the Game, safeguarding, coaching methodology, player development, and practical demonstrations aimed at improving coaching competence.

Addressing the participants, Eguavoen said the NFF remained committed to developing Nigerian football by continually investing in the education of coaches, who in turn would impact players at the grassroots.

He encouraged the coaches to make the most of the opportunity and justify the confidence reposed in them by the organisers and sponsors.

“It is our responsibility to ensure football develops through well-trained coaches. Please take this programme seriously and do not disappoint those who have made it possible, because there are many more opportunities ahead,” he said.

The Chairman of the Delta Football Association, Window Adode, also charged participants to maintain discipline, punctuality and active participation throughout the course, emphasising that the certification should translate into improved coaching quality, better player development and stronger football structures across communities in Delta State.

He said coaching programme is expected to produce a new crop of CAF-certified grassroots coaches capable of identifying, nurturing and developing young football talents.