A former match commissioner of the Nigeria Premier League and an Assistant Comptroller with the Nigerian Immigration Service, AC Robert Terlumun Akpenpuun, has completed the CAF–WAFU Zone ‘B’ General Coordinators Training Course held in Porto Novo, Benin Republic.
Akpenpuun, who is currently on diplomatic assignment at the Nigerian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire, was among five NFF personnel nominated to participate in the programme by the President of WAFU Zone B, Mr. Ibrahim Musa Gusau.
Akpenpuun, who was a protocol officer with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), appreciated Gusau for the opportunity afforded for the training he described as resourceful, most useful and a valuable platform for professional development and regional collaboration.
The course which was facilitated by Moroccan instructor Mustapha Slaoui, brought together participants from seven West African countries which saw each nation represented by four delegates that were evenly split along gender lines, thus underscored a commitment to inclusivity in football administration.
Also present at the programme was the Executive Director of WAFU Zone B, Philip Tchere.
General coordinators play a pivotal, but often unseen role in continental football competitions, as well as ensuring seamless organisation and compliance with regulations during matches.
The training covered key aspects of the profession, including the strategic role of the general coordinator within the competition framework, mastery of CAF regulations and procedures, operational match management, leadership and communication, administrative reporting, and multi-stakeholder coordination.
The course which combined theoretical instruction with practical simulations, exposed the participants to real-world scenarios aimed at embedding standardised protocols in professional practice.
However, beyond technical instruction, the initiative reflected the Confederation of African Football’s broader ambition to harmonise operational standards as well as enhancing governance across the West African sub-region.
Akpenpuun, whose sporting career spanned match commissioning, federation protocol duties and diplomatic service, has added another layer of expertise just as African football continues to professionalise and upgrade its administrative structures.
