Nigeria caretaker Yusuf wants coach job full-time

Abuja (AFP) – Nigeria caretaker coach Salisu Yusuf has urged his country’s football bosses to give him the top post on a full-time basis.

The former Enyimba and Kano Pillars coach was in temporary charge of the Super Eagles for the recent friendly victories over Mali and Luxembourg.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are due to announce a permanent coach ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, which begin in October.

Yusuf will now be one of the top contenders after the two wins helped Nigeria climb six spots up the FIFA rankings.

And the former assistant to the country’s last three coaches –- Stephen Keshi, Sunday Oliseh and Samson Siasia — said he is up to the ask.

“I can take responsibility at this level,” said the former El Kanemi and Ranchers Bees midfielder.

“I have been working as a coach for the past 15 years. I will work a lot harder (if appointed) because the responsibility is higher. It will not change my philosophy as a coach.

“I will not be surprised if I’m given the job because I have assisted three coaches. I know the job and I can do the job.”

Yusuf said he would favour players who are first choice at their clubs.

“I will use active players, playing for their clubs regularly — conditioning and match fitness will come from their club sides. We will only discus tactics and strategy for the four days we are together before a game,” he said.

“The quality of the player cannot be compromised and if he is active, he can take responsibility.

“If you are playing for your club, it will be easier for you to play for the national team.”