NFF turns to Yusuf as Le Guen rejects Nigeria post
Newly appointed Super Eagles chief coach Salisu Yusuf could well be an option to lead Nigeria to 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign after Frenchman Paul Le Guen, who was appointed on Monday has rejected the post.
The former Cameroon and Lyon coach has said he will not be taking the Nigeria job after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) failed to meet up some of his contractual terms, according to media reports from France.
But an NFF official, who revealed contractual disputes to AfricanFootball.com said Yusuf could well be a fallback plan should Le Guen turn down the chance to lead Nigeria.
“Salisu Yusuf was always option B,” he said.
“We just have to wait and see if that could well be the case now that Le Guen has rejected our offer.”
According to French sports newspaper L’Equipe, Le Guen has rejected the Nigeria post.
He declined the position after several conditions he tabled were not met, according to the newspaper.
Earlier today, AfricanFootball.com exclusively revealed “contractual disputes” between Le Guen and his prospective employers, adding that the former Cameroon and Lyon coach was adamant he will not shift from his position on several of the contending issues on his contract.
It was understood that, among his conditions, was he coming down with a support staff that included an assistant and a goalkeeper trainer.
Nigeria have been without a permanent coach since February, when Sunday Oliseh walked out on the Super Eagles after claiming his contract has been severally breached.
The three-time African champions are drawn in a tough 2018 World Cup qualifying group that has Algeria, Cameroon and Zambia.
Confirming the report, the Executive Committee of the NFF said the Frenchman objected to being given a target and also did not wish to live in Nigeria.
“In truth, the Technical and Development Committee perused the profiles of all the coaches who submitted applications and find Mr. Paul Le Guen suitable for the post. But during final negoatiations, he objected to being given a target and also did not wish to live in Nigeria, which was a sore point with the Board.”