NFF Opens CAF A-License Applications: 25 Slots Available For N3m, Deadline May 31

 

NFF Set To Organize CAF B-License Refresher, CAF A-License courses

The Nigeria Football Federation is gearing up for extensive train-the-trainers programmes as all arrangements have been concluded for a CAF B-License refresher course set to take place 20th – 24th June, 2026, and a six-module CAF A-License course that will span seven months, between 2nd August, 2026 to 7th February, 2027.

 

“This is part of the NFF’s strategic effort to build the capacity of coaches across the country,” stated NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen. It will be recalled that Nigeria was recently admitted back into the CAF A-License convention after nine years of being out of the pool.

 

An interested participant must be an active coach at the elite level (National Teams, NPFL, NNL, NWFL and NLO), possess a CAF B diploma, must be able to read and write in the English language, have access to a laptop/tablet for the duration of the programme, must be computer-literate, possess a medical certificate demonstrating physical and mental fitness to participate, and must submit curriculum vitae and reference letter.

 

A CAF CMS link will be provided to twenty-five (25) candidates upon successful completion of the pre-assessment tests and CAF B Refresher course to start the process for the CAF A-License course.

 

For the CAF A-License course, Nigerian coaches will pay the sum of N3,000,000 while foreign applicants will dole out the sum of $3,000 each.

 

For the CAF B Refresher course, Nigerian coaches are to pay the sum of N700,000 each. Application deadline for the CAF A-License course is Sunday, 31st May, 2026 while CAF B Refresher and CAF A pre-course assessment will be conducted virtually and in-person between 1st – 23rd June, 2026.

 

CAF B Refresher and CAF A-License pre-course assessment will be used to test applicants’ game analysis, reading/writing, presentation and computer skills into the CAF A-License course, which will have only 25 candidates.

Insecurity In Nigeria: Dr. Atere Leads Oyo State Pilgrims In Prayers

 

Insecurity In Nigeria: Dr. Atere Leads Oyo State Pilgrims In Prayers

Chairman of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr. Haseem Atere has expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity situation in Nigeria and strongly condemned the recent abduction of students in Oyo State, describing the incident as unfortunate and disturbing.

At a special prayer session held for Oyo State pilgrims at Diyar Al Shaab Mosque in the holy city of Mecca on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, where hundreds of pilgrims gathered to seek divine intervention for peace and security in the country, the cleric noted that it is high time strong actions were taken against the increasing attacks on schools and abduction of students.

He said attacks on educational institutions pose a serious threat to the future of the younger generation and called on relevant authorities to act swiftly in protecting schools across the country. The Islamic cleric urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts towards rescuing the abducted students and ensuring that those responsible for the criminal acts are brought to justice.

"Nigerians deserve to live in peace without fear of attacks, kidnappings, or violence in our communities and schools. The increasing attacks on schools are worrisome and demand serious government attention. While we commend the governments for its efforts, we also charge them to double up on every area of security to make our communities safe and secure", submitted Dr. Atere

The Chairman also advised citizens to remain vigilant and security conscious at all times and encouraged members of the public to promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in addressing insecurity and preventing further attacks.

Special prayers were later offered for the safety of the abducted students, restoration of peace in Nigeria, and the success of the 2026 Hajj exercise.

Oyo Pilgrims Welfare Board begins Hajj Lecture for Pilgrims

 

Oyo Pilgrims Welfare Board begins Hajj Lecture for Pilgrims

The Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board on Thursday, May 21, commenced a comprehensive Hajj lecture for all pilgrims in preparation for the commencement of the main Hajj exercise scheduled to begin on Monday in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The lecture was organised to acquaint the pilgrims with the procedures, movements, and spiritual significance of the various stages of the pilgrimage.

According to officials of the board, the lecture, to be delivered by the Board Chairman, Mogaji Haseem Atere, Head of Dawah Committee, Dr. Ibrahim Adelani and Dr. Ibrahim Adebolu focused on the scheduled movement of pilgrims to Mina on Sunday and Monday ahead of the major rites. Pilgrims will also be educated on the movement to the plains of Arafat on Tuesday, regarded as one of the most important aspects of the Hajj exercise.

The enlightenment programme further covered the movement from Arafat to Muzdalifah, where pilgrims are expected to spend the night and gather pebbles for the symbolic stoning exercise. The board will also explain activities for Dhul Hijjah on Wednesday, as well as the stoning rites fixed for Thursday and Friday.  These were carefully outlined to ensure proper understanding and compliance among the pilgrims.

Officials emphasised the importance of maintaining good health throughout the exercise, urging pilgrims to remain physically prepared due to the demanding nature of the Hajj rites. They also advised the pilgrims to stay hydrated, avoid overcrowding, and strictly adhere to medical and safety guidelines provided by Saudi authorities and the welfare board.

The Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board reiterated its commitment to ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj exercise for all pilgrims from the state. The board urged participants to remain disciplined.

Amateur League Scandal: Cynosure FC Guilty Of Misleading NLO

Cynosure FC of Abakaliki has been penalised for a second consecutive season by the Nationwide League One (NLO). Its crime, two violations: illegally playing a professional player in an amateur league and submitting false registration information. 

The NLO Secretariat states that Cynosure FC used Nigeria National League players in several matches this season, violating NLO rules on Player Eligibility and Amateur Status (Articles 3:01, (5), 3:01, (8), 3:01, (11), 3:01(13), and Article 9:02). 

The players involved are Orngudwem Raphael from Solution FC (NNL/2025/2026/SFC/030, until 30/08/2026) and Ogbodo Valentine Chizoba from Osun Utd FC (NNL/2025/2026/OUF/052, until 02/02/2027). Notably, Chizoba was declared AWOL (Absent Without Leave) by Osun Utd management. 

Cynosure FC reportedly submitted knowingly false declarations and forged or misleading documents, claiming the player was an amateur, thereby deceiving the NLO during registration. These violations were discovered through routine verification by the NLO Secretariat.

The Disciplinary Committee met on 19th May 2026. The Club was notified and attended, with the Chairman admitting the information was genuine but claiming ignorance of the illegalities regarding fielding a professional player in an amateur match without a 30-day hiatus, as per FIFA rules. 

Despite being informed, the Chairman, Mr. Nwaeze Chidiebere Prince, said he wasn't told that loaning an amateur is illegal, which also breaches transfer rules. The Committee found the defence unpersuasive, noting deliberate actions that risked undermining the amateur league. 

Evidence showed Cynosure FC was guilty of serious violations, including misleading the NLO, hiding documents, and gaining unfair advantage, notably with Player Raphael’s transfer. 

Sanctions include forfeiture of matches, a ₦500,000 fine, suspension from all NLO competitions for the rest of 2026, and two-year probation. The decision is effective immediately, with an appeal process available within 72 hours.

According to Cynosure FC owner, "Cynosure FC will appeal the decision, we respect the process, but we believe the sanctions are too harsh given our explanation. The club will appeal so that the facts can be reviewed again,” he stated.

NFF Seeks Closer Collaboration With Chinese Football Association

 

NFF Seeks Closer Collaboration With Chinese Football Association

 

The Nigeria Football Federation has taken the step to forge a closer relationship and meaningful ties with the Chinese Football Association, following a meeting between the NFF leadership and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, in Abuja on Thursday.

 

President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON reiterated that football is an immensely powerful tool to solidify relationships among nations and entities, and assured the top diplomat that the NFF is eager for closer ties with Chinese football, especially in the women’s category where China is a global force.

 

“We have received an offer from certain persons who are close to the Chinese FA, and who want our U17 girls to participate in a mini-tournament in China in July. We believe that this will be the beginning of a great working relationship with Chinese football.

 

“We are looking at more regular games among our teams. Certainly, matches can be organized both in China and Nigeria for both nations to participate, and at all times, the NFF will always intimate the Chinese Embassy and seek its guidance and advice.”

 

His Excellency Yu Dunhai, who is into the second year of his tenure in Nigeria, praised Gusau for the great interest in Chinese football and said there is a lot of collaboration and exchange programmes taking place between both nations in other sectors presently.

 

“As you said, football is a very strong instrument for forging unity because it belongs to the youth, and the youth represent the future. Presently, there are many Nigerian players and coaches in the Chinese League, and I am always thrilled to realise that Nigeria and China share the same Independence Day – October 1.

 

“Actually, my first knowledge of Nigeria came through football – when your boys won the Olympic football gold in Atlanta in 1996. Twelve years later, they won the silver medal right in China. Your U17 boys are also very strong and have the greatest collection of titles in the FIFA World Cup. Incidentally, their first title was in China in 1985.

 

“Football needs no language. Although our men’s team is not that strong, we are better in the women’s game and our people do enjoy watching the game.”

 

At the occasion as well were the NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi; NFF’s Director of Media & Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire; Chinese Embassy’s First Secretary Ni Zhichen and NFF’s Director of Protocol, Barnabas Joro (right).