Conflict Erupts Between CAF Instructors and NFF Technical Director Eguavoen

A brewing conflict has emerged between Nigerian CAF instructors and Austin Eguavoen, the technical director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), centering on the administration of CAF D courses across the country. In a series of allegations, instructors have claimed that Eguavoen has conducted these vital training sessions in a manner they deem unprofessional, having excluded a majority of the 29 qualified instructors from participation.

The instructors specifically criticized Eguavoen for conducting the courses in states such as Bayelsa, Edo, Delta, Ogun, and Osun with only limited support from Dr. Terry Eguaoje and one uncertified individual, Fatai Akanji. One instructor voiced their frustration, stating, “What Eguavoen is doing is very unprofessional. He has made the rest of us redundant even though we all are qualified to be part of these courses.”

Another instructor echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the courses could be conducted simultaneously across the country with the involvement of other qualified instructors. This growing discontent has sparked significant dialogue within the football community, drawing attention to the need for equitable training opportunities for all qualified personnel.

The tension has reached a critical point, prompting the intervention of Philip Shuaibu, Director-General of the Nigeria Institute for Sports (NIS). His involvement underscores the seriousness of the situation, particularly as Eguavoen seeks to maintain his position as NFF technical director following the expiration of his contract. The outcome of this conflict may have far-reaching implications for the governance of football training in Nigeria.