March 31, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is looking to shake up the country’s coaching staff after a series of poor performances from national teams.
The NFF’s General Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Sanusi, expressed sadness at the 2-0 defeat of the U23 Olympic team by Guinea, which means Nigeria will not compete in this year’s U23 AFCON tournament. Sanusi hinted that the NFF would look to appoint coaches from within the country to address the issue.
Sanusi, who was representing NFF President Ibrahim Gusau at the launch of the NAIJA Super 8 football tournament in Lagos, emphasised his desire to see Nigerian teams perform well. He said, “Anytime a Nigerian team is eliminated from any competition, I always feel sad… So, anytime we are in a competition, including our national teams, my prayer is for them to do well.”
Sanusi indicated that the Technical Director of the NFF would decide the fate of U-23 coach Salisu Yusuf. The latter, who has been criticised for his performance with the home-based Eagles in CHAN, is considered by many to be “untouchable.” However, Sanusi implied that Yusuf’s position was not secure.
The Secretary General said: “Let me tell you that the technical director, whose duty it is to take charge of technical matters like recommending the appointment or removal of coaches is in the best position to decide on the question you are asking me about Salisu Yusuf.” Nigeria’s football fortunes are at a crossroads, and it remains to be seen whether changes to the coaching staff will lead to improved results on the pitch.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
