NFF Sets Deadlines for Federation Cup Finals, CAF C-Licence Course

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a firm directive requesting all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to hold the final matches of the 2025 President Federation Cup this weekend, specifically on Saturday, 22nd February, or Sunday, 23rd February 2025.

The NFF noted that deviations from this schedule will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances, subject to prior approval from the federation.

A statement by Mrs. Ruth David, NFF’s Director of Competitions, said football associations that fail to comply with the designated dates will face a fine of N1,000,000 (one million naira).

“Final matches are to be played ONLY ON 22nd/23rd, except in special cases and as approved by the NFF,” David reiterated, underscoring the federation’s commitment to uniformity and discipline in the competition’s scheduling.

The NFF also outlined the timeline for the national stages of the tournament. The National Play-Off is set for 5th March, followed by the National Draw on 12th March. Subsequent rounds—the Rounds of 64, 32, and 16—are scheduled for 19th March, 2nd April, and 16th April, respectively.

The quarter-finals will take place on 3rd and 4th May, with the semi-finals concluding the competition’s major fixtures on 17th and 18th May 2025.

In another development, the NFF has set a registration deadline of midnight on Tuesday, 25th February 2025, for its upcoming CAF B-License Coaching Course.

The four-month programme, running from 7th April to 25th August 2025, aims to bolster the skills of Nigerian coaches.

NFF Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen highlighted the course’s modular structure and its inclusivity, targeting both men and women coaches to prepare them for modern football challenges.

Eligibility for the CAF B-License course requires candidates to be active coaches with a CAF C-License certificate used within the past two years, proficiency in English, basic computer skills, a laptop, a valid Gmail account, and a medical certificate confirming physical and mental fitness.

Eguavoen noted an overwhelming response to the programme, prompting the NFF to advance the registration deadline.

This follows the success of last year’s pioneering CAF C-Licence course for women, which trained 30 female coaches, including former Nigerian internationals, between July and September 2024.