In order to enhance the capacity and professionalism in football officiating, a five-day NFF-D Licence coaching course for grassroots coaches in Bayelsa State has begun in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, with over forty coaches taking part in the novel exercise.
NFF-D Licence coaching course will run from the 11th through the 15th of March, 2026, at the Golden Tulip Apartments and Resort, Onopa, from 9.00 am daily.
The exercise, which is being organised by the Prosperity Cup in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Football Association, is coming two weeks after the FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup International Coaching Clinic in the State.
The NFF-D Licence exercise is coordinated by the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Augustine Eguavoen, alongside Edema Fuludu, Peggy Ubenye Ulu, and Monday Odigie, among others.
The chairman of the Bayelsa State Football Association, Barr Porbeni Ogun, who was represented by Mr Zuzu Ebimotimi, Head of Secretariat, Prosperity Cup, who doubles as the Chairman of All Stars International, Yenagoa, in his remarks noted that the programme is a reflection of the dream and aspirations of the FA and the Prosperity Cup to see Bayelsa coaches excel at the global stage.
He urged the various participants to pay rapt attention to details, that the exercise was the beginning of success for grassroots coaches in Bayelsa, maintaining that securing the NFF-D Licence certificate would place them well ahead of their contemporaries who are yet to obtain the certificate.
Also speaking, the Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr Ono Akpe, who was represented by the Head of Governmental Affairs and Community Relations, Prosperity Cup, Rev. Vincent Dowell, remarked that the programme was apt and auspicious due to the continued growth of grassroots football in Bayelsa state.
Mr Akpe asserted that the organisers of the Prosperity Cup will not relent in their quest to see that grassroots coaches in the state are equipped with modern coaching techniques, urging all the participants to take full advantage of this rare opportunity.
The NFF Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen, explained that the D-License course, which is in modules, is a prerequisite for qualifying coaches to take part in the CAF-C License course, adding that it is for beginners and must last a minimum of 60 hours.
According to him, the coaching course was designed to enhance the capacity of coaches and prepare them for current and future challenges, maintaining that the course is part of NFF’s strategic effort to build the capacity of coaches across the nation.
Sporting Tribune, in an interview with two of the participants, said they were grateful to the organisers for giving them the opportunity, which they would not take for granted.
Mr Anthony Fouye of Afini FC and Mr Mere Freeborn of Hope Alive FC shared their thoughts on the coaching programme in separate interviews.
According to Anthony Fouye, who is the Chairman of Bayelsa Grassroots Football Coaches Association, he is excited to be part of the programme, pointing out that the course represents an opportunity in their coaching career to learn, re-learn and improve on their officiating.
He posited, “This course represents a valuable opportunity because it is a key requirement for every serious coach who aspires to grow professionally and strengthen their coaching Curriculum Vitae and career. The programme would help us to raise the bar and the standard of coaching and improve the overall quality of football development in the state.”
On his part, Mr Mere Freeborn of Hope Alive FC, said, “We strongly believe that after this coaching course, there will be a significant increase in the level of knowledge, technical understanding, and impact among coaches within the state.”
