The previous year was devastating as the entire world was left almost hopeless as the Ravaging Coronavirus made impossible large gatherings – everything was a standstill.
But for the ingenuity of the leadership of Football Coaches Association of African Nations (FCAAN), led by Dr Terry Babatunde Eguaoje (also NFF Consultant on Coaching and Development) who knows that. that was time to reflect on the past and build on the Future.
The first was to ensure that COVID 19 protocols were strictly adhered to by all members keeping them safe and exploring all avenues that can keep the coaching education body going.
The management of FCAAN had explored online Training through this period where resources personalities were also involved and that alone ensure that no one lost focus as the world seemed disilluted.
That was simply one step that help greatly and when the lockdown activities was relaxed and gathering also allowed FCAAN swung into actions and held several courses starting from march when the first F certificate course was held in Lagos followed by five other F courses in Port Harcourt in June and Lagos again in July while the federal capital Territory Abuja had it’s share in August it then returned to the centre of excellence in September while ondo state in December brought together over one hundred grassroot coaches and gave them proper foundation towards been a successful coaches using right methodology.
Lagos seems to be the centre of attraction for FCAAN courses in 2021 one may not be surprised or search long for reasons behind this than to also commend the leadership of EkoFootball in Lagos state which is under the watch of the first Vice President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) – Barrister Seyi Akinwumi who had laid the right foundation and solid footing for football activities to thrive and that had encourage many Coaches to understand that the beautiful game and the education around it is dynamic and many of the coaches came on board.
The FCAAN E course in march was also held in Ikeja, Lagos state before you say “Eko for show” as it’s always said in sport circle Lagos scored another first by also hosting the FCAAN D course in November and that was attended by coaches across the federation which include the coach and the owner of FC Robo one of the leading light in the female football league Emmanuel Osahon who in his testimony described FCAAN course as one of the best thing that has happened to him in football.The coach said he thought he knows much but attending the FCAAN course shows that Football has gone beyond imagination.
“I thought I know much but attending the course shows I have many grounds to cover, I can’t wait to attend the FCAAN C course”
While coach Osahon and other coaches who converge in November can’t wait to attend the Next FCAAN course that suit their grade, WIKKI Tourist head coach Kabiru had also led about 80 Nigerians, coach to Akure the capital of Ondo state in May for the highest FCAAN course in Nigeria the FCAAN C Course.
While coach Kabiru Dogo could not hide his admiration for the standard FCAAN is made of when he said
“I have been a top flight coach for a long time in Nigeria but what I am learning here shows FCAAN has a lot to offer” He also commended FCAAN football periodization lecture “we do this but we don’t know why we do them but FCAAN made it clear to me”.
Worthy to note is also the cream the De La Cream of Nigeria football that attended the C course in Akure which include the 1st Vice President of NFF Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi who led other dignitaries to the owena state which include the FA chairman of Ondo and Ekiti states and other Football stakeholders also worthy of mentioning is a frontline coach in NPFL coach Gbenga Ogunbote.
Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi had used the occasion to advise the coaches to be more focused as what FCAAN is doing is to lay a solid footing for Nigerian football and build a culture for the beautiful game Akinwunmi in his words also said
“This is a lifeline opportunity for you all and I must commend you for coming out to make the knowledge here count,” He urged the coaches to expose our players to the best of education.”
“What FCAAN is doing will help us build our football identity again”.
Akinwunmi also used the occasion to restate his admiration for female football and grassroots football development.
As he commended FCAAN leadership under the watch of its Founder and President Dr. Terry Babatunde Eduaoje and
FCAAN Director of Coaching Education Amb. Henry Abiodun while recountig the year in 2021 said COVID-19 had made everything so difficult but as a body who believed in upliftment we were proactive enough during the pandemic and that paid off in 2021.
The soft spoken but Ebullient administrator commended the doggedness of Nigerian coaches who have seen reasons to develop themselves and says the future of Nigerian football is certain.
FCAAN Founder/President Dr Babatunde Terry Eguaoje also recounted 2021as a successful year not just for FCAAN but for Nigerian football and coaches at large. We had great support from NFF President and FIFA Council member Mr Pinnick Amaju and NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi.
First, we have to believe and Nigerian coaches have done that by making themselves available for knowledge that will eventually rub on their players and football development generally.
” I am proud of Africa football coaches… better coaches meaning better players for Nigeria”…
The NFF Consultant on Coaching and Development however promised better 2022. Assuring coaches that together with NFF leadership will work together for the good and development of the game.
He was also thankful to NFF President and General Secretary for creating enabling environment for football to thrive in Nigeria.
The football coaching education body knowing the enormity of holding as much as 9 courses a year also signed a Memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Ivory health club such that will see FCAAN use the ultra modern facilities of the health club situated in Ikeja area of Lagos state for all its courses holding in Lagos.
FCAAN have trained and certified over 500 coaches this year alone.
