A Nigerian, Dr Terry Eguaoje, who was recently appointed by Pennsylvania West Soccer Association as Technical Director of Coaching and Player Development, says he is ready to come back home to Nigeria and transfer his wealth of experience to Nigerian coaches.
Speaking after his unveiling ceremony, Eguaoje who is joining PA West Soccer after serving for eight years in a similar role with Mississippi Youth Soccer as Technical Director of Coaching Education ( PA West Soccer is a member of US Soccer and FIFA), believes the knowledge garnered in America will transform Nigerian coaches for good.
“I am delighted with this appointment to keep teaching coaches in America. My fellow Nigerians, you can’t cut corners in America. That is to say that you only get appointments like this here in America on merit.
PA West Soccer saw my CV and realised how much value I will be adding to their coaches understanding of the game of soccer.
“My prayer is that I should be given same opportunity which I will consider a great privilege to impact coaches in my country. If US Soccer can engage me, I think my country should. Thankfully, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by Amaju Pinnick and the National Sports Commission (NSC) boss, Alhassan Yakmut are young and dynamic people who I am confident know what direction Nigeria football should be headed. I have been trying to educate Nigeria coaches through FCAAN for years now but I can do more if asked by my country”, concluded the Edo state born Dr Eguaoje.
Eguaoje holds a lengthy list of coaching licenses and diplomas including USSF A License, UEFA B License, National Youth License, NSCAA Premier Diploma, and USSF Goalkeeping License.
In addition to his work in coaching education at the state level, he is also a National Instructor for USSF and US Youth Soccer as well as an NSCAA Club Standard Project Coordinator.
He is also the Founder of Football Coaches Association of Africa Nations [FCAAN], a non-profit coaches organization dedicated to education and licensing coaches across Africa.
Eguaoje has a Doctoral degree in Organizational and Education Leadership and a Master’s degree in Sports Management.
He is the author of “Bridging the Gender Gap in Sports Leadership” and co-author of “Developing the Model Soccer Club.”
