Well revered Abuja based journalist Bunmi Haruna says his love for youth football development is the motivation behind his recently acquired CAF Licence B coaching certificate.
The radio OAP with top Nigeria radio stations, Cool-Wazobia-Nigeria Info FM was one of the 75 participants who were put through modern day coaching techniques during the two-week 2017 CAF License B coaching course between March 19 and March 31, in Abuja.
Two weeks before then, Bunmi also known as Bunmi Blair was also one of over 100 Nigeria youth team coaches who participated in the LALIGA/NPFL organised coaching clinic also held in Abuja.
According to the Kogi state born journalist turn coach, his love for youth football development prompted his decision to seek more knowledge in the round leather game.
“It stated in 2010 when I was appointed the media officer of the Nigeria National U-15/U-13 team, I enjoyed working with the likes of Taiwo Awoniyi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Clement Ogbobe, Chidera Eze, Emmanuel Bonaventure among others, so much that I never wanted it to end. To wake up every day to see the coaches teach the young players several football techniques which have turned them into super stars is an experience I cannot forget.
I want to produce super star football players who would help Nigeria win the senior world cup. I know we have the talents to achieve this dream, we just need dedicated coaches and administrators who are passionate and ready to sacrifice for this course.” Bunmi said.
Since 2010, Bunmi Haruna has undergone several coaching courses which included, National Institute of Sports, NIS basic football coaching course, CAF- C and CAF-B coaching courses and several coaching clinics.
He has also understudied several top Nigerian coaches like former Super Eagles winger and 2015 FIFA U-17 world cup winning coach Emmannuel Amunike, 2013
FIFA U-17 world cup winning coach, Manu Garba, national U-15 youth team coach, Haruna Ilerika, national U-17 women team Flamingos coach, Bala Nkyu and former Super Falcons coach, Edwin Okon. He has also gone through the tutelages of respected CAF instructors, Adegboye Onigbinde, Kashimawo Laloko, James Peters, Siji Lagunju, Rafiu Yusuf among others.
The Kogi State University graduate is currently on attachment with NNL club FC Abuja and also works part-time with Abuja based First Touch Soccer Academy.
The rapid development of the 33-year-old coach we understand is being closely monitored by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.
