Yusuf Salihu relishing fresh coaching challenge after Apex Krane exit

Former Technical adviser of Apex Krane FC, Nigeria National League, NNL side, Yusuf Salihu says he is now opened to new challenge for any available offers from serious and ambitious clubs.

The experienced manager who tutored the Asaba based side in the first stanza of the last NNL campaign told nigeriafootball.ng in an exclusive interview that he’s weighing options to work with top flight club this new season.

Coach Yusuf previously worked as ABS FC chief coach, technical adviser of Yarmalight FC, Sunshine Stars FC and Apex Krane FC, as well technical manager at Offa FC to mention just a few.

The Degree holder in Human Kinetics, a CAF “B” license holder and a Dutch trained coach with cognate experience over the years and former Military Officer said he still has lots to offer to develop players and inspire success.

“I am ready for another big tasks in my coaching career because I still have lots to offer the sports,” he told Nigeriafootball.ng.

“I’ve had offers from some clubs in and outside Nigeria, from Ghana and Gambia but the terms did not suit my philosophy as a coach.

“I’ve different experience from my previous assignments in all the three league tiers in Nigeria, as an Assistant Coach, Head Scout, Chief Coach, Head Coach, Technical Assistant, Technical Manager and Technical Adviser respectfully. It has made me a better Manager and I’m looking forward to an opening where I can offer best of my abilities,” he said.

Coach Scheedow as Yusuf is fondly called said his background as Ex-Service Man has helped launder his prowess as disciplinarian and a resilient Coach and see football as part of his life which led to his discharged from the Military.

“I enjoyed my moments in the Military Service (as Airforce Officer) but I feel like football is part of me, especially nurturing kids in it, thankfully the experience I’ve garnered in the service has really helped me in decision making and how you handle pressure and manage people of different races background.”

Asked if he thinks football has find its place in Nigeria enough to be regarded as business, Coach Salihu told nigeriafootball.ng that the trend is shifting towards that but lots is required to make that happen ethically.

“I think we are heading there gradually, football is getting attention from private individual and some few corporate firms, we are shifting from seeing it at youth empowerment initiative but money spinning business.

“But I feel that pace is slower, government policies on it is really needed. government really need to show interest in it with making strong policies for private investors to come into it and more corporate organization and individuals, I believe we will reach there anytime soon because the signs are good, Coach Salihu enthused.