Factors that might favour Yusuf in Eagles manager race
As debates continue as to whether Super Eagles interim manager Salisu Yusuf on the back of two victories in recent friendly matches against Mali and Luxembourg should be given a contract as the next senior national team manager or not coupled with reports that the Nigeria Football Federation are eyeing a particular Serbian coach to take over this month as Nigeria looks towards the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, here are some factors Yusuf will be banking on to help him clinch the role.
Players support- when stand in captain in the friendlies against Mali and Luxembourg ogenyi Onazi said it’s been long that he enjoyed such a serene atmosphere with the national team he was speaking for many of the players.
““The atmosphere in the team was fantastic and everybody was hungry and ready to work for each other. We have all enjoyed how we have worked in training and during the matches, and we believe if these coaches were given at least a two-year contract, the Super Eagles will be flying again.”
Some of the invited stars also described it as one of the most cordial and peaceful outings in the Super Eagles camp and as the coach Yusuf said during an interview with Daily Trust yesterday the players totally enjoyed themselves and the atmosphere was unbelievable.
During Sunday Oliseh short-lived era there was a lot of rancour in the team with major fall out with players like Vincent Enyeama and Emmanuel Emenike which makes this set up really refreshing for Nigerian football.
If the players feel they have the best atmosphere to perform under the guidance of Yusuf, many will say the Nigeria Football Federation should look out for what is best for the progression of the country’s game.
Home based players- apart from the late Shuaibu Amodu no other gaffer has deep connection and knowledge of the local domestic scene like Coach Yusuf, his 4 year stint with Ranchers Bees and seven years with El Kanemi Warriors as a player in the early 90s coupled with his successful reigns at Nigeria’s two biggest clubs, Kano Pillars and Enyimba where he both won titles, gives him a complete view of the NPFL and talents therein.
“As a player all my professional career was in Nigeria, first with ABU, Ranchers Bees and El Kanemi Warriors, so I really appreciate and understand the league especially now that’s there’s tremendous improvement in the last few years, so the outstanding players in the domestic league will always be in our plans.” Yusuf said
With the above statement, it’s obvious that the interim manager will incorporate what many Nigerians have been calling for, which is the inclusion of domestic stars in the scheme of things and not only their foreign based counterparts.
They are believed to have more desire and are hunger and when that combines with the deft technique and experience of those based in Europe, Nigeria might have an amazing team.
Low maintenance- For over a year now, the Glass House have been crying about lack of funds to meet some of its financial obligations, apart from owing some of the national team coaches’ salaries including the duo of departed Stephen Keshi and Shuaibu Amodu.
Coach Yusuf if installed should be earning less than any of Nigeria’s senior national team coaches of the last ten years and at austere times like this, it’ll be good for the NFF to cut its coat according to its size so as not to fall into the same pit as before regarding huge salaries of erstwhile managers which become serious issue after some time.
Experience- Coach Yusuf has spent 14 years as a coach, apart from holding sway as manager of Kano Pillars and Enyimba, two of the most high pressure jobs in Nigerian domestic football as mentioned earlier, he has also been assistant manager to three Super Eagles managers.
All these up his experience and enhance his chances of getting the job full time.
Continuity- According to most pundits, one of the biggest problems holding the country’s football back is lack of continuity, whenever a coach comes in, with his plans, philosophy and team building methods, something happens and we are back to the drawing board again with another manager.
As this continue to happen, it only means one thing, we keep starting afresh after every year or two which stagnates our football but on the other hand when there’s continuity it allows the coach a period of time to put his plans together and make required impact.
Yusuf already has the support of players and many say he should be given time to put his plans together for Eagles then hold him responsible when Nigeria fails to qualify for the 2018 Mundial as he promised to do.