Tag: Musa Gusau

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has challenged  participants at the CAF B-License coaching course to adroitly apply themselves to what they have learnt in the course of the programme that spanned over seven months and four modules.

Gusau, who is also President of the WAFU-B Zone, made this exhortation in Abuja on Thursday at the closing ceremony of the coaching course. The first module of the course took place 7th – 12th April, while the second module commenced on Monday, 6^th  October and ended on 10th October. The third module took place 20th – 24th October, and the fourth and final module was implemented from Monday, 3rd November.

 “I take pride in our achievements thus far, and although we have a year remaining in our tenure, I remain hopeful that, by the grace of God, we will reach our intended goals. Since assuming office, we have facilitated the CAF B, CAF C and CAF D License programs. The CAF C was exclusively for women – an important step considering Nigeria’s prominence in women’s football across Africa,” he stated.

He further emphasized the importance of involving former international players in these initiatives, highlighting, “We recognize the wealth of experience among our ex-internationals, and it is essential to harness their expertise within these programs. Additionally, by organising coaching instructor courses at the zonal level, we aim to create a sustainable model where coaches can receive training without the need to travel to Abuja.”

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Gusau also expressed his satisfaction upon receiving positive feedback from the CAF Education Officer, Mr. Honour Janza who noted the impressive level of commitment and professionalism displayed by the participating coaches throughout the program. The NFF President confirmed his administration’s intention to conduct a CAF A License coaching course before the end of his tenure in September next year. “We are diligently working with the technical department, coaches, and instructors to initiate the CAF A License course within the first quarter of the upcoming year,” he assured.

Lastly, Gusau urged the coaches to apply their knowledge in practice, expressing a desire to see them represented in coaching roles in other African countries. “We aspire not only for our coaches to gain certificates but also to engage internationally, sharing ideas and knowledge. There are coaches, such as one from Tanzania involved in this course, whom we hope to see coaching in various clubs across Africa.”

Among those present were the First Vice President of the NFF, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agu; General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, MON; Deputy General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme; NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Davidson Owumi; Technical Director, Austin Eguavoen; NNL Chairman, Chief George Aluo; CAF Education Officer, Honour Janza; NFF Head of Education, Dr Terry Eguaoje; Coaching Instructor, Ambassador Henry Abiodun; Coaching Instructor, Mr. Abdulrafiu Yusuf; NFF Director of Media and Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire and; NFF Internal Auditor, Mr. Godson Iyere.

• By Daniel Oyekan

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has expressed strong confidence that the Super Eagles will be fully prepared to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the team officially opens camp on Sunday, November 9, in Rabat, Morocco.

The three-time African champions will lock horns with Gabon’s Panthers in the semi-final of the CAF Play-offs on Thursday, November 13, while the other semi-final pits Cameroon against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The winners of both fixtures will face off in the final on Sunday, November 16, with the victor booking a place in the Intercontinental Play-Offs for next year’s global showpiece, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Speaking via an  official NFF statement, Gusau  said meticulous preparations are already underway in partnership with the National Sports Commission (NSC) to ensure the team is in top form for the decisive encounters.

 “Everything is being done by the NSC and the NFF to ensure that nothing is left to chance. No stone will be left unturned,” the NFF President said. “That special Nigerian spirit which saw the team score the four goals they needed against Benin Republic on the final day of the qualifiers will propel them to victory in the play-offs.”

He emphasized that the players and technical crew are in close communication and share a collective determination to deliver success for the nation.

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 “We are already speaking to the players, and everyone is on the same page,” Gusau continued. “Every preparation required to see the team soar to victory is being made. The players are additionally motivated by that universal dream of every footballer — to feature at the FIFA World Cup finals.”

The Super Eagles’ play-off fixtures will be staged at either the 18,000-capacity El-Barid Stadium or the 22,000-capacity Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat, while the final will hold at the Stade Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that a draw will be held on Thursday, October 30, to determine which of the semi-final ties will be played in each of the Rabat venues.

With the weight of expectation from millions of Nigerians and the federation’s promise of total support, all eyes will be on Rabat as the Super Eagles chase another shot at World Cup glory.

On the margins of the NFF Annual General Assembly 2024 last Friday  in Asaba, the leadership of Nigeria National League (NNL) made a special presentation to the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, in appreciation of his administration’s giant steps and excellent developmental policies after two years in office.