The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has deferred the decision on the future of Nigeria U23 coach Salisu Yusuf despite his failure to qualify the Nigeria B team for the CHAN tournament and also failing with the U23.
Yusuf is the head coach of both teams and also doubles as one of the assistants of the coach of the main team Jose Peseiro. His position was believed to be untenable following his recent failures but the NFF appear not to be in a hurry to let go off the former coach of Kano Pillars.
Unlike Imama Amapakabo who was sacked under similar circumstances with both teams, Yusuf is set to stay in his role judging by the communique issued by the NFF after their recent meeting.
While expressing their displeasure at the performance of the Super Eagles and that of the U23 team, the football house stayed silent on the future of Yusuf but warned players of the teams mentioned to give their all as the football house won’t be held ransom by any player.
Item 6 of the communique read thus:
“The Board expressed distaste with recent results of the Super Eagles and the U23 Boys, and fully endorsed the NFF President’s stated position that the Federation will never beg any player to wear the nation’s colours. It added that whoever is not motivated for one reason or the other to represent Nigeria should always be bold enough to state this at the point of invitation. Any perceived lackadaisical attitude by any player wearing Nigeria’s colours at international level will no longer be treated with kid gloves”.
Mohammed Mowiz
