The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, yesterday announced the appointment of Salisu Yusuf as Head coach of the National U-23 team just as Manu Garba was re-appointed coach of the national U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets.
Yusuf who is also coach of the Super Eagles recently led the Home-based Eagles to finish second at the just concluded Africa Nations Championship, CHAN, in Morocco.
He had coached a number of clubs in the Nigerian Professional Football League like Lobi Stars, Kano Pillars, El-Kanemi Warriors and Enyimba FC.
Yusuf will be assisted by Plateau United’s technical adviser, Kennedy Boboye, El-kanemi Warriors’ techical adviser, Imama Amapakabo while Suleiman Shuaibu will serve as goalkeeper trainer.
In what may come as a surprise to many, Manu Garba who led the national U-17 team to conquer the world in 2013 in the United Arab Emirates but failed to qualify Nigeria for the 2017 edition in India has returned to the team.
Garba who failed to save Gombe United from relegation last season will be assisted by Jolomi Atune and Bunmi Haruna while Ernest Salolomo will serve as the goalkeeper trainer.
The NFF also announced the appointment of Akwa United’s technical adviser, Abdul Maikaba as coach of the national U-20 team, the Flying Eagles.
The coach whose team will be in action tomorrow against Banjul Hawks in the CAF Confederation Cup in Uyo was initially appointed to head the Golden Eaglets coaching crew.
In his new assignment, Maikaba will be assisted by MFM’s technical adviser, Fidelis Ilechukwu and former Niger Tornadoes’ technical adviser, Abubakar Bala while Olatunji Baruwa will be the goalkeeper trainer.
Reacting to his appointment, Abubakar Bala told Daily Trust on Saturday that it came to him as a surprise because he wasn’t expecting it.
He said he got the news in Owerri while on a scouting mission for the national U-17 team.
“I must confess that the news came to me as a pleasant surprise.
“I was not expecting such an appointment. As a matter of fact, I am in Owerri searching for players for the national U-17 team.
“ I thank Almighty Allah for this elevation. I am ready to serve my country in any capacity and to the best of my abilities,” he said.
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