The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) CAF D Licence Coaching Course has commenced at Lanreleke Sports Academy, Ileogbo, Osun State, with 40 participants expected to benefit from the grassroots football development programme.
In a statement made available by the Media Officer, Akanni Oluseyi, on Thursday, said the opening ceremony brought together coaches, facilitators, football administrators and community leaders at the academy, which provided the venue for the training aimed at improving coaching knowledge and standards across the state.
He added that the course featured prominent football experts, including former Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen, NFF Head of Coaching Education, Dr Terry Eguaoje, and former international, Edema Fuludu.
Welcoming participants and guests, the Chairman of the Osun State Football Association, Mayor Sola Fanawopo, emphasised the importance of continuous learning and professional development in football coaching.
Fanawopo said the programme offered participants an opportunity to acquire knowledge from experienced resource persons, urging them to apply the lessons from the training to improve football development in their respective communities.
“One of the most important lessons I have learned in life is that we must never stop seeking knowledge. Knowledge gives us the power to understand our environment, make informed decisions, solve problems, and create opportunities for ourselves and others. As the saying goes, knowledge is power,” he said.
He stressed that the success of the course should not be measured only by activities at the training venue but also by its impact on grassroots football and the communities where the participants operate.
“When we share knowledge, we multiply its benefits. One person can educate another, who can then educate many others,” Fanawopo added.
The Osun FA chairman also appreciated the host institution, facilitators, technical advisers and community leaders for supporting the initiative.
He called for greater collaboration and investment in children and young people, noting that efforts to improve their development would contribute to the future of football in the state and Nigeria.
Also speaking, former Nigeria international and member of the Oyo State Football Association, Mutiu Adepoju, popularly known as ‘Headmaster’, urged the participants to pay close attention to the facilitators and remain committed to becoming better coaches.
Adepoju said the participants should take advantage of the opportunity to learn from the experienced instructors and improve their capacity to nurture football talents.
In his remarks, the founder of Lanreleke Sports Academy, Engr. Lanre Adeleke, represented by his brother and Project Manager of Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Ltd., Engr. Lekan Adeleke, welcomed the participants to the facility.
Lekan Adeleke disclosed that the academy celebrated its fifth anniversary in September, adding that the institution had continued to support government and football administrators in advancing the game.
He reaffirmed the academy’s commitment to supporting football development in Osun State and Nigeria.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Osun FA board and officials of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, led by its representative, Bayo Adesina.
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