By Aderonke Ojo
In Nigeria’s fast-evolving football coaching landscape, Coach Bunmi Haruna, a respected youth development tactician and CAF instructor, continues to make his mark this time through international exposure and professional growth.
Haruna, who currently manages FWC Champions FC Abuja, recently participated in a FIFA webinar titled “Pressing High with Purpose: Maximizing Value in the Final Third,” led by global football icons Jürgen Klinsmann and Gilberto Silva.
The session, which brought together top football educators and coaches worldwide, focused on modern tactical systems designed to help teams regain possession high up the pitch and capitalize efficiently in the attacking third.
Haruna described the experience as “a tremendous privilege” and expressed enthusiasm about applying the lessons learned to his coaching philosophy.
“In modern football, high pressing with purpose is a skill every coach must learn to teach effectively. It’s crucial to know when to adopt this strategy and how to maximize its benefits for the team,” Haruna said.
“It was a tremendous privilege to learn from legends like Klinsmann and Gilberto, who shared their experiences with examples from the Club World Cup.”
During the webinar, Klinsmann delved into the tactical nuances of high pressing, emphasizing how coordinated pressure can disrupt an opponent’s rhythm and create scoring chances.
Silva, meanwhile, focused on maximizing attacking efficiency in the final third — highlighting the importance of quick decision-making and technical precision among players.
Haruna noted that the insights gained would significantly influence his training approach at FWC Champions FC, the current FCT FA Cup champions.
“I plan to adapt the teachings into my sessions, designing high-intensity drills centered on synchronized pressing and quick transitions into the final third,” he explained.
“Each player must understand their role — not just as individuals, but as part of a unified and intelligent system.”
As one of Nigeria’s emerging voices in coaching education, Coach Haruna continues to advocate for modern tactical understanding at the grassroots level, stressing that the future of Nigerian football depends on continuous learning and adaptation to global trends.