The path for Nigerian football coaches to ascend to top international roles is clear, but requires a fundamental shift in perspective, according to Dr. Joseph Ogunsanya, a highly respected Nigerian coach based in the United States.
Speaking at the recent grand finale of the fifth edition of the JC International Coaches Academy certification programme, Dr. Ogunsanya delivered a passionate address emphasizing that success on the global stage hinges on adopting the right mindset, prioritizing proper training, and actively seeking international exposure.
Dr. Ogunsanya was unequivocal in his assertion that coaching must be redefined within the Nigerian context. He challenged the common perception of coaching as merely a leisure activity or a supplementary job.
“Coaching is a big business, and we must stop seeing it as just a hobby or side job. It requires structure, unwavering commitment, and continuous innovation,” he stressed. This paradigm shift, is critical for Nigerian coaches to be taken seriously by major clubs and national teams worldwide. By viewing their profession through a business lens, coaches are compelled to invest in their development, establish professional networks, and maintain high ethical and performance standards—traits essential for succeeding in the highly competitive global football market.
A major component of Dr. Ogunsanya’s message focused on the necessity of technological literacy. He urged the newly certified coaches to become students of modern football development, specifically highlighting the transformative power of technology in player development, tactics, and safety.
“Football keeps evolving. As a football coach, you must stay ahead by embracing technology and global best practices,” he advised.
He gave specific examples, underscoring the vital role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in analyzing vast amounts of match and training data. AI can provide predictive insights into opponent weaknesses, optimize player load, and fine-tune tactical strategies with a precision human analysis simply cannot match.
Furthermore, he highlighted advanced tools like the Heart Monitoring Belt (HMB), which tracks players’ heart rates in real-time. This sophisticated biometric data is crucial not only for optimizing performance metrics—such as intensity and endurance training—but also for ensuring player safety by preventing overexertion and identifying potential cardiovascular risks.
“If you’re not learning, you’re already behind,” he warned the graduands, emphasizing that familiarity with such tools is now a basic requirement for any serious coach operating at a high level.
The foundation of this global aspiration, Dr. Ogunsanya noted, lies in the quality of training. He praised the JC International Coaches Academy for crafting a curriculum specifically designed to meet global standards, thereby giving its participants a genuine starting advantage. He called on the coaches to build upon this foundation by continuously improving their knowledge and actively seeking exposure to different football cultures and coaching methodologies abroad.
He reiterated, “With the right attitude, mentality, exposure, and training, Nigerian coaches can take up top jobs around the world and succeed.” This blend of domestic excellence and international experience is what separates good coaches from world-class leaders.
The academy’s impact was also recognized by official football bodies. Alhaji Ganiu Majekodunmi, Chairman of the Ogun State Football Association and a board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), commended the academy’s consistency and significant contribution to grassroots development over its five-year run.
Represented by Dr. Bayo Oluwatoki, Chairman of the FA’s Technical Committee, Majekodunmi stated, “This programme has contributed significantly to grassroots development, and we need more coaches to key into this moving train of progress.” This sentiment reinforces the NFF’s commitment to raising the technical standard of coaching across the nation.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to all successful participants, including special recognition for outstanding students. Dr. Ogunsanya left the new graduates with a final, powerful mandate: “This is not the end—it’s the beginning of a bigger journey in football coaching.” He urged them to represent the academy and Nigeria with the highest level of professionalism and a continued pursuit of excellence.
The JC International Coaches Academy is a specialized institution in Nigeria dedicated to the training and certification of football coaches, with a strong focus on grassroots and youth development.
The Academy is primarily located at Km 45, Papalanto–Sagamu Road, Ogun State, Nigeria, the Academy holds significant credibility and recognition within the Nigerian football structure: It is an approved Academy recognized by the Ogun State Football Association and the Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA), also endorsed by extension the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and FIFA, in line with FIFA directives to establish Coaches Education Institutions in every state.
