Examining Burnout, Recovery, and Career Satisfaction Among Elite Sports Coaches in Nigeria

Elite sports coaching is a high-demand profession associated with significant occupational stress, burnout risk, and career attrition, yet the coaching workforce in Nigeria has received minimal research attention regarding these dimensions. This study examines burnout, recovery experiences, and career satisfaction among elite sports coaches employed by state sports councils and national sports federations in Nigeria. A cross-sectional analytical survey was conducted among 160 elite coaches from across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones attending a national coaches' symposium. Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory adapted for coaches, recovery was measured using the Recovery Experience Questionnaire, and career satisfaction using the Coach Career Satisfaction Scale. Hierarchical regression examined predictors of burnout and career satisfaction. Findings reveal that 47 percent of coaches report high emotional exhaustion and 38 percent report high depersonalisation, indicating a significant burnout burden. Inadequate financial remuneration, lack of institutional support, athlete underperformance, and poor career progression structures are the most frequently cited burnout contributors. Recovery experiences, particularly psychological detachment from work during off-periods, are significantly negatively associated with burnout scores. Career satisfaction is highest among coaches with stable employment contracts and access to professional development opportunities. Recommendations include formalising coaching employment structures, establishing coach wellness programmes, creating professional development pathways, and developing national coaching workforce retention strategies. Keywords: burnout, recovery, career satisfaction, elite sports coaches, Nigeria