NIS Unveils Two-Year Plan to Bridge Nigeria’s Coaching Gap
Shehu Dikko Shaibu has unveiled an ambitious plan to tackle Nigeria’s widening coaching deficit, announcing a structured two-year strategy aimed at bridging an estimated gap of over two million qualified coaches across the country.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement session, Shaibu—representing the National Institute for Sports (NIS)—said the initiative is designed to strengthen grassroots and elite sports development by prioritizing coach education, certification, and continuous training.
According to him, the shortage of trained coaches has significantly hindered talent discovery and athlete development nationwide. “We cannot build a sustainable sports system without investing in those who nurture talent. Coaches are the backbone of any successful sporting structure,” he stated.
The plan outlines a phased rollout of training programmes across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, combining both physical and digital learning platforms. Shaibu noted that the institute is seeking strategic partnerships with international sports bodies, private sector stakeholders, and educational institutions to scale the programme effectively.
He added that the initiative would also focus on modern coaching techniques, sports science, and performance analytics to align Nigerian coaching standards with global best practices. “This is not just about numbers; it’s about quality and relevance in today’s competitive sports environment,” he emphasized.
The NIS is expected to collaborate with federations, state governments, and development agencies to ensure broad participation and accessibility, particularly at the grassroots level.
Sports analysts have described the move as timely, noting that addressing the coaching gap could unlock Nigeria’s vast athletic potential and improve performance across multiple disciplines.
If successfully implemented, the two-year plan could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s sports development landscape, laying a stronger foundation for future international success.
