The Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has called for strong collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to implement a bold two-year reform plan aimed at addressing what he described as a “2-million coaching gap” in Nigeria’s sports system.
Shaibu made the appeal during a visit to the headquarters of the Nigeria Football Federation in Abuja on Monday, where he also led a delegation on a condolence visit over the death of former NFF Chairman, Ibrahim Galadima.
Describing the late Galadima as a respected national figure and mentor, Shaibu said his legacy would be deeply missed within Nigeria’s sporting community.
He explained that the NIS had developed a comprehensive study which revealed a significant shortage of qualified coaches across various sporting disciplines in the country.
“We are seeking collaboration with the NFF to bridge two million coaching gaps in the Nigerian sports system. If achieved, it will transform the coaching structure entirely,” Shaibu said.
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He further noted that recent findings from a matriculation exercise showed that over 50 percent of trainees at the institute were football coaches, reinforcing Nigeria’s strong football culture but also highlighting the need for broader development across other sports.
Shaibu also stated that the NIS is undergoing structural reforms aimed at strengthening its capacity, including the introduction of degree programmes in collaboration with the National Universities Commission.
He added that the institute is expanding its presence through zonal offices in Yola, Kaduna, Jos, Enugu, Abeokuta, and plans for Benin City.
He commended the leadership of the NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, for ongoing reforms and infrastructural projects, including the FIFA-supported players’ hostel and new training pitches.
In his response, Gusau assured the NIS of the NFF’s full support, noting that improving coaching standards remains a top priority for the federation.
“You may be aware that this administration has taken coaching development seriously. We have organized several coaching courses, including CAF C-License programmes, and are working toward higher-level certifications,” Gusau said.
He also advised the institute to engage relevant education authorities to strengthen its reform agenda.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from both the NFF and NIS, including NFF 1st Vice President Felix Anyansi-Agwu and NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, alongside directors from both institutions.
The engagement ended with renewed commitments from both sides to deepen cooperation aimed at strengthening sports development and coaching education in Nigeria.
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