NIS, Osun FA seal coaches training pact

By Tosin Omojola

The National Institute for Sports (NIS), Lagos, has entered into a partnership with the Osun State Football Association to train local coaches.

The agreement, signed on Wednesday at the NIS headquarters in Lagos, will kick off with the first batch of 100 coaches in Osogbo during the second week of December.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, NIS Director-General, Professor Olawale Moronkola, highlighted the importance of the partnership in advancing football development across the country, in line with the institute’s mandate.

“We have a responsibility to continuously upgrade the capacity and knowledge of Nigerian coaches. When our coaches are well-trained, they positively influence young players and contribute meaningfully to football development. We started in Lagos, and I’m excited that Osun State has embraced this initiative,” he stated.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Osun State Football Association, Mr. Sola Fanowopo, emphasized the long-term vision of the program.

“Our goal is to provide high-quality training and certification to at least 1,000 grassroots coaches over the next 12 months, focusing on improving their technical, tactical, and physical training skills.

“This program will not only raise the standard of grassroots coaching but also contribute to the growth and development of football in Osun State,” Fanowopo explained.

He added, “We want to change the narrative of football development in Osun State, and this can only be achieved through partnership with the National Institute for Sports. We have engaged stakeholders and agreed this is the best path forward. Once we succeed with the first batch, there will be no turning back, as others will naturally join the initiative.”

The training will be conducted by top-rated coaches and certified by the National Institute for Sports, ensuring that participants receive the best possible guidance and accreditation.