Super Eagles Chief Coach, Salisu Yusuf Caught On Video Collecting $1000 To Select Players

Super Eagles Chief Coach Caught On Video Tape Collecting $1000 To Field Players

Nigeria’s top football coach, Salisu Yusuf, has been caught on camera collecting $1000 bribe to field players for the African Nations Championship(CHAN) 2018.

🇳🇬 Chief Coach of the National Team Salisu Yusuf filmed accepting Bribe @BBCAfrica
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He was part of #superEagles #worldcup managerial staff in #Russia2018 pic.twitter.com/ExiVAhJ9xJ

— Wale Gates (@walegates) July 24, 2018

Naija News learnt that In a sting operation masterminded by Ghanaian investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, and aired on the BBC, Mr Yusuf was caught on camera taking cash from men posing as football agents.

After a conversation about player selection, the head coach is seen taking a handful of cash. The impostors wanted two Nigerian players to be picked in the (then) upcoming African Nations Championships.

After Mr Yusuf had taken the money, they alluded to other incentives like the coach getting 15 per cent of the player’s contract after their selection.

Nigeria’s top football coach, Salisu Yusuf, has been caught on camera taking cash. The footage, exposed here for the first time, was captured by controversial Ghanaian investigative journalist @anasglobal and recently handed to #BBCAfricaEye. pic.twitter.com/Yy5oiaJELx

— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) July 23, 2018

In his response, Yusuf denied any wrongdoing. He said he did not demand any money and that what he was given, $750 and not $1000, was a gift. Yusuf also said his selection of players for the African Nations Championship(CHAN) 2018 was based on merit.

Nigerian coach Salisu Yusuf filmed taking cash https://t.co/g1YBO9qn8V pic.twitter.com/GF1DKAzspY

— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) July 23, 2018

Naija News also understands that premium times spoke with some football agents on the development and they confirmed that it is the norm in football circles in Nigeria. They said the corruption is killing the chances of true talents making the limelight.

Francis Abiodun a Lagos-based football agent, said he has been a victim as one of his players (name withheld) was once denied a chance to play for the Nigeria U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, years back because he could not meet the financial demands of the coaches.

“It is more like a norm in Nigeria football and across Africa, but I don’t know of other climes. Remember what Kylian Mbappe’s father reportedly said about FA officials demanding money from him before they could allow his son to play for Cameroon. “Frankly, Salisu is not the only one doing this but he must be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others.