NFF spokesman: Salisu Yusuf’s reinstatement is subject to exco’s decision

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that Salisu Yusuf, chief coach of the Super Eagles, has served his one-year suspension for bribery.

Ademola Olajire, NFF’s director of communications, however, told TheCable that the federation is yet to reinstate Salisu as the chief coach of the Super Eagles because his “reinstatement is subject to decision of the executive committee (exco)”.

“Salisu reinstatement to the team is subject to decision of NFF ExCo members,” Olajire told TheCable.

“NFF only issue a statement saying he has served his one-year suspension term.

“Until the ExCo meet, we won’t know if he will Ben reinstated or not.”

Last year, the 57-year-old was caught on camera accepting a cash gift to field two players for the African of Nations Championship (CHAN).

The NFF found him guilty and suspended him for a year from all football related activities.

In a statement on Thursday, the NFF also commended Imama Amapakabo, Yusuf’s stand-in coach, for his contribution while in charge of the U23 national team during his absence.

“Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has noted that the Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Salisu Yusuf has now fully served the one –year suspension clamped on him last year,” the statement said.

“The Federation thanked Coach Imama Amapakabo for his sterling efforts while in charge of the U23 National Team in the absence of the suspended Yusuf, and for eventually seeing to the team’s qualification for the U23 AFCON.”

With the announcement, it remains to be seen if Salisu will be the one to take charge of the Eagles for WAFU Cup in Senegal — which begins from September 28.