Imama Remains U23 And WAFU Bound Eagles Coach - NFF

Imama Remains U23 And WAFU Bound Eagles Coach - NFF

By Admin

The Nigeria football federation is not unmindful of the uproar that has greeted the return of Salisu Yusuf after serving a one year suspension for collecting bribe in the line of duty.

The NFF has keenly followed all the discussions on social media and have now come out to clarify issues as it concerns the purported return of Salisu Yusuf and the demotion of Imama Amapakabo.

A top official of the football house who spoke on condition of anonymity, told NSM media that coach Imama Amapakabo will retain his position as chief coach of the Olympic Eagles, that is the Egypt bound Nigeria Under 23 team. The source also confirmed that coach Imama will also take charge of the Nigeria team to the WAFU Cup.

"Did imama not get the job as Salisu was suspended? Now that he has shown capacity and done very well, I am sure the technical commitee will suggest that he continues with the U-23 team, while Salisu returns to the Super Eagles as Rohr's assistant. Do you know how many coaches came looking for the U-23 job including going to the Presidency to lobby? Yet we stood our grounds and told them Imama is our choice and now you guys are crucifying us for nothing"

He went further to assure that at the right time, Salisu will apologise to Nigerians as he knows the gravity of his offence and has shown serious remorse during the period of his suspension.

"We cannot throw away the child and the bath water, we appreciate the good work Imama is doing presently with the Under-23 team and we are solidly behind him, hoping that he will go on to make a name for himself and all Nigerians who believe in his abilities. The same love we have shown to Imama, let's share some with Salisu. To err is human, to forgive is divine. As you know, we cannot throw away the child and the bath water.

What happened to Salisu can happen to anyone so Nigerians must see this as one of those things and let it slide.

For your information, the ICPC investigated Salisu after the ban to see if he has any assets or money behind his earnings and he was duly cleared. All his accounts and assets where scrutinized and he came out clean. He had to explain every money that went through his account and the only money found, were his Legitimate earnings.

Now, if the ICPC has cleared him of all wrongdoings, we just have to accept him and hope it doesnt happen again.

We are appealing to Nigerians to allow us handle this in the best interest of all. We will not take any hasty decisions that may backfire. We know the gravity of his offence and we are cautiously integrating him back to the system" he concluded.