Nigerian Coaches Association Secretary Ogbeide Defends Salisu Yusuf Over Bribery Allegations

The secretary of the Nigerian Coaches Association, Solomon Ogbeide, has leapt to the defence of embattled Super Eagles coach Salisu Yusuf over allegations of corruption levelled against him.

The former Kano Pillars and Enyimba gaffer has come in for severe criticism after he was filmed taking bribe in a video footage released by Ghanaian investigative journalist Anas Anas to BBC Eye Africa.

In the footage shot during the West African Football Union Unity Competition in Ghana in September 2017, Yusuf was seen receiving the sum of $1,000 from undercover agents for influence on player selection ahead of this year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN).

He had earlier received support from the Coaches Association through a statement from the body.

Solomon Ogbeide, who is the head coach of Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) leaders Lobi Stars, further explained the position of the association on the matter in a chat with Goal.

He said: “What I have to say about it is that it has not been confirmed that Salisu Yusuf erred.”

“We can’t try him in the media and from the available information at our disposal, I don’t think he has done anything wrong. We are behind him until there is a proper investigation that will confirm our doubts.

“He was not the one that asked for the cash that was given him and we heard from the footage of the video clip where he said players are selected on merit. We will not leave him at this point in time until it is proven that he committed the wrongdoing.” Ogbeide concluded.