African Coaches Connect (ACC) has held strategic discussions with the President of The Confederation of Independent Football Associations(CONIFA) Africa, Mr. Ngala Wajiri Maimo, as part of ongoing efforts to advance inclusive football development initiatives across the African continent.
The meeting was led by the Founder and President of African Coaches Connect (ACC), Eldred Sunju-Abbey, and the Executive Director of Operations, Adedeji-Ajoje Israel, Mr. Christopher Nwabuzor and took place in Casablanca, Morocco, ahead of the African Football Convention scheduled to hold from 5th to 9th January, 2026.
CONIFA (Confederation of Independent Football Associations) is an international football organisation that provides a competitive and cultural platform for nations, regions, minorities, and communities not represented within the FIFA system. Through the organisation of international tournaments and development programmes, CONIFA promotes inclusion, cultural identity, and peaceful engagement, using football as a unifying tool to give visibility and opportunity to underrepresented footballing communities across the world.
Inclusion as a Core Objective
Discussions centred on a potential partnership primarily focused on inclusion, aligning with the principle that every child and individual has a right to play. Both organisations emphasised the importance of extending football opportunities to the remotest and marginalised regions of Africa, particularly communities that fall outside conventional football development structures.
African Coaches Connect reiterated its commitment to uniting football professionals across Africa in support of initiatives that prioritise access, development, and long-term social impact through football.
Preparations for the Refugee Cup 2026
In addition to broader partnership objectives, the meeting also marked the commencement of preparatory discussions for the Refugee Cup scheduled for August 2026.
The Refugee Cup is envisioned as an inclusive football initiative aimed at providing displaced and refugee communities with a structured platform for participation, development, and engagement through sport. Early talks focused on long-term planning, technical collaboration, and the role of coaching and professional support in delivering a tournament aligned with developmental and humanitarian goals.
Strategic Alignment with CONIFA Africa
CONIFA Africa operates under the Confederation of Independent Football Associations (CONIFA), which provides international football opportunities for communities, regions …The engagement with African Coaches Connect reflects a shared commitment to broadening access to football while maintaining professional and developmental standards.
For African Coaches Connect, the discussions represent a continued effort to build partnerships that extend football’s reach beyond traditional frameworks, reinforcing its vision of a more inclusive, connected, and development-driven African football ecosystem.
Further engagements are expected as both organisations continue discussions toward formalising collaborative structures and advancing shared programmes ahead of upcoming continental initiatives.