NIS, NFF Renew Partnership as Shaibu Leads Condolence Visit to Gusau

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, alongside the management team, has paid a condolence and courtesy visit to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, at his office in Abuja.

In a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Office of the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, Ben Ogbemudia, the visit was described as a significant step toward renewed synergy between the NIS and the NFF. Speaking during the visit, Shaibu said the delegation was at the NFF Secretariat for two key reasons: first, to commiserate with the federation over the passing of its former leader, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadimma, and secondly, to strengthen institutional collaboration between the NIS and the NFF. “On behalf of the NIS, we are here to condole with you on the loss of a great sports figure, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadimma. His passing is not only a loss to the NFF but to the entire sports community,” Shaibu stated. He described the late Galadimma as a man whose influence extended beyond football administration into community service, noting that he was widely respected for his contributions to society and his commitment to uplifting the vulnerable. “He will be greatly missed. He touched many lives and brought joy to countless people. His impact in sports and at the grassroots level remains significant,” he added.

Shaibu also used the opportunity to formally engage the NFF leadership on the need for deeper collaboration between both institutions, noting that although discussions had been ongoing, official engagement had been limited due to tight schedules on both sides. Highlighting recent developments at the institute, the NIS DG revealed that the institute recently matriculated 232 students across various sports disciplines, with 117 specializing in coaching and a significant percentage focusing on football. “The level of interest in football is a clear indication that Nigeria remains a strong football nation. However, we have identified a critical gap in the coaching system, particularly at the grassroots level,” he said. He pointed to the growing number of uncertified “street coaches,” popularly referred to as “Coachila and Coachitos,” especially in urban centres like Lagos, stressing the urgent need to formalize and standardize coaching education in Nigeria. “To address this, we have developed a nationwide programme across the six geopolitical zones to identify, train, and certify these coaches. This effort cannot succeed without collaboration, particularly with the NFF, whose General Secretary is an alumnus of NIS and a FIFA/CAF-certified instructor,” Shaibu noted.

Ben Ogbemudia further quoted the NIS DG as proposing that NIS certification should become a foundational requirement for coaching progression in Nigeria, including eligibility for international certifications such as CAF and FIFA coaching licences. “For any coach to advance in Nigeria or participate in global certification programmes, there should be a baseline requirement of NIS certification. Charity, they say, begins at home,” he emphasized. Shaibu acknowledged past challenges faced by the institute but stated that under his leadership, significant reforms have been introduced, including a revised curriculum, improved administrative systems, and a renewed focus on global best practices modelled after leading international sports institutes. He also disclosed that the NIS has been decentralized into the six geopolitical zones, with staff deployed and operational structures already in place, supported by state governments providing office spaces and accommodation. According to him, the institute is working towards expanding its presence to all 36 states by 2028 as part of its long-term development plan, with a strong emphasis on grassroots sports development.

Responding, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau appreciated the visit and acknowledged the contributions of the late Galadimma, noting his deep-rooted history in Nigerian football, including his tenure as a former chairman of the football association. “Alhaji Galadimma was not just a football administrator but a pillar in the sports community. His legacy will continue to inspire many,” Gusau said. On collaboration, Gusau welcomed the initiative by the NIS DG, noting that partnership remains the most effective pathway to sustainable growth in Nigerian sports. “I am glad you explored partnerships across other sectors before coming to the NFF. It shows sincerity of purpose. We have always been aligned, even without formal meetings,” he stated. He further assured that the NFF is open to working closely with the NIS, particularly in the area of coaching education, adding that both institutions can leverage each other’s facilities to achieve shared goals. “The only way we can succeed is through collaboration. This is the right time to strengthen that relationship. Together, we can build a solid structure for training and developing coaches in Nigeria,” Gusau affirmed.

Ben Ogbemudia noted that the visit marks a significant step toward renewed synergy between the NIS and NFF, with both bodies expressing commitment to repositioning sports development in Nigeria through structured training and strategic partnerships.