RUFAI NOT PAINED OVER EAGLES' TRAINER JOB

By NBF News

Rufai's name got wide mention for the local assistant's' job before the football house resolved on Wednesday to settle for teammate Ike Shorunmu and Kano Pillars' coach, Salisu Yusuf. The USA 1994 World Cup hero, nicknamed Dodo Mayana, told SuperSport.com that he never indicated interest in the job and has no reason to feel bad for not being chosen.

'I was not disappointed, I never contested, I never submitted my name and never told anybody that I wanted to be Super Eagles' assistant coach,' he said.

Expressing satisfaction with the football knowledge he is currently imparting on the youths across the country, the Lokeren former safe hands said he was happy that Shorunmu got the job, adding that he would do a good job with coach Samson Siasia at the helm.

'Mine is to contribute my quota to the development of the youths,' he said. 'I am sacrificing a lot to make them great and I think I have more to contribute in that direction than just being a goalkeeper trainer for the Super Eagles. I will be better used in what I am doing right now than a goalkeeper trainer.

'I'm happy for Ike Shorunmu for the opportunity. I strongly believe he will deliver as well as Pillars' coach, Salisu Yusuf. I believe he has something to offer. They will do a good job with coach Siasia.

'I will only advice them to remain focussed, define their goal and ensure that fair play reigns supreme in everything they do. Nigerians are eager to see them work and I pray they will meet their expectations.'